Effects of Kinesio Taping on Lower Limb Function for Stroke Patients at Different Recovery Stages / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of Kinesio taping on lower limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia at different stages of stroke. Methods:From August, 2015 to August, 2017, 60 patients at stages of Brunnstrom III (n = 30) and Brunnstrom IV (n = 30) were randomly divided into control group (n = 15) and treatment group (n = 15). All the patients received comprehensive rehabilitation training, while the treatment group taped Kinesio taping in the lower extremities, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Time 'Up & Go' Test (TUGT) and gait analysis before and after treatment. Results:The results of all the measurements improved after treatment in all the groups (P < 0.001). For the patients at Brunnstrom IV, FMA-LE score and walking speed improved more in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P < 0.01); for those at Brunnstrom III, FMA-LE score, walking speed, TUGT time, hip extension angle and gait symmetry improved more in the treatment group than in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Kinesio taping is effective on the lower limb motor function for patients with hemiplegia after stroke, especially for patients at Brunnstrom III.