Kinesio Taping Associated with Acupuncture in the Treatment of the Paretic Upper Limb After Stroke

Effectiveness of kinesio taping for chronic stroke patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Kinesio taping (KT) is an approach that has been used in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic stroke. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of KT alone or combined with other interventions for patients with chronic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The search was performed on CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, and five other databases and two trial registries up to July 2022. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of KT compared to control interventions. The primary outcomes were upper limb function and gait. We assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the PEDro scale. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

We included 14 RCTs undertaken in six different countries. PEDro score ranged from 4 to 9 points. There is very-low certainty evidence that KT has no effect on gait, balance, and postural control. We found very-low certainty evidence of a slightly benefit when used in addition to other therapies for gait, balance and postural control, and pain intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings show KT does not have enough robust evidence for improving upper limb function, gait, balance and postural control, and pain intensity in chronic stroke patients.

Effectiveness of kinesiology taping on the functions of upper limbs in patients with stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized trial

Background

Kinesiology tape (KT), a water-resistant and elastic tape which is well known measure for preventing musculoskeletal injuries, has recently gained popularity in neurological rehabilitation. This is a systematic and meta-analysis study, useful both to evaluate the efficacy of kinesiology taping on the functions of upper limbs in patients with stroke and to collect the main outcomes evaluated in the analyzed studies.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases including Medline, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), WANFANG, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Additional articles were obtained by scanning reference lists of included studies and previous reviews. Keywords were “kinesiology taping,” “kinesio,” “kinesio taping,” “tape” and “stroke,” “hemiplegia,” “hemiplegic paralysis,” “apoplexy,” “hemiparesis,” “upper extremity,” “upper limb.” All the RCTs were included. Quality assessment was performed using Cochrane criteria. Upper extremity function and pain intensity was pooled as the primary outcome, and shoulder subluxation, muscle spasticity, general disability, PROM of abduction, and adverse effects as secondary outcomes.

Results

Twelve articles were included. Pooled data provided evidence that there was significance between kinesiology taping groups and control groups in pain intensity (standardized mean difference − 0.79, 95% CI − 1.39 to − 0.19), shoulder subluxation (standardized mean difference − 0.50, 95%CI − 0.80 to − 0.20), general disability (standardized mean difference 0.35, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.59), upper extremity function (standardized mean difference 0.61, 95%CI 0.18 to 1.04), and the PROM of flexion (standardized mean difference 0.63, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.98).

Conclusion

Current evidence suggested that kinesiology taping could be recommended to improve upper limb function in patients with stroke in pain intensity, shoulder subluxation, general disability, upper extremity function, and the PROM of flexion.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval requirements are not necessary for this review. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated online and on paper to help guide the clinical practice better.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020179762.

Effects of kinesiotaping combined with the motor relearning method on upper limb motor function in adults with hemiparesis after stroke

INTRODUCTION

Kinesio Taping (KT) is being widely used in neurorehabilitation as an adjuvant technique due to its therapeutic effects. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Kinesio Taping combined with the motor relearning method on upper limb motor function in adult patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test in a sample of 10 adult patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, randomly assigned in two groups: experimental (n: 5) who received 12 sessions of Kinesio Taping combined with the motor relearning method and a control group (n: 5) who only received 12 sessions of the motor relearning method. Motor function was assessed through the selective movement pattern scale for adult patients with upper motor neuron injury before and after each intervention.

RESULTS

statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found when comparing the means of upper limb movement patterns of the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

the use of Kinesio Taping combined with the motor relearning method was encouraging for upper limb motor function in patients with spastic hemiparesis.

Acupuncture for poststroke spasticity: A protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Spasticity is the most common complication after stroke, which is the main obstacle in the recovery of motor function. Spasticity seriously affects the quality of life and brings a heavy burden to families and society. Acupuncture is an effective method for stroke. However, whether acupuncture is effective for poststroke spasticity is still unknown. The purpose of this systematic review (SR) is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for poststroke spasticity.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search the following databases from inception to July 2019: China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. All relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) utilizing acupuncture for poststroke spasticity will be included. The primary outcome is the modified Ashworth scale. Secondary outcomes include composite spasticity scale, clinic spasticity index, electromyographic activity, Hoffmann reflex activity, or other spasticity-related outcomes. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. Assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be conducted using Review Manager V5.3 software.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The ethical approval is not required since SR is based on published studies. The results of this SR will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019129779.

Effects of kinesio taping on hemiplegic hand in patients with upper limb post-stroke spasticity: a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke spasticity is a common complication in patients with stroke and a key contributor to impaired hand function after stroke.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on managing spasticity of upper extremity and motor performance in patients with subacute stroke.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled pilot study.

SETTING

A hospital center.

POPULATION

Participants with stroke within six months.

METHODS

Thirty-one participants were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into kinesio taping (KT) group or control group. In KT group, Kinesio Tape was applied as an add-on treatment over the dorsal side of the affected hand during the intervention. Both groups received regular rehabilitation 5 days a week for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was muscle spasticity measured by modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were functional performances of affected limb measured by using Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), Brunnstrom stage, and the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF). Measures were taken before intervention, right after intervention (the third week) and two weeks later (the fifth week).

RESULTS

Within-group comparisons yielded significant differences in FMA-UE and Brunnstrom stages at the third and fifth week in the control group (P=0.003-0.019). In the KT group, significant differences were noted in FMA-UE, Brunnstrom stage, and MAS at the third and fifth week (P=0.001-0.035), and in the proximal part of FMA-UE between the third and fifth week (P=0.005). Between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in the distal part of FMA-UE at the fifth week (P=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio taping could provide some benefits in reducing spasticity and in improving motor performance on the affected hand in patients with subacute stroke.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Kinesio taping could be a choice for clinical practitioners to use for effectively managing post-stroke spasticity.