Effects of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Postural Control in Stroke Patients.
BACKGROUND
To investigate the effects of kinesio taping on postural control in stroke patients.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty stroke patients aged 30 to 60 years were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group, kinesio tape (KT) was applied directly on the skin over the affected ankle in the direction of dorsiflexion and eversion to correct the equinovarus deformity. The tape was kept on the ankle for 1 day. The results were measured with the forward reach test, lateral reach test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and timed up and go test. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity were also measured while the patients stood on a force plate. All variables were measured on the first day immediately after taping and 24 hours later in the KT group, and on the first day and also 24 hours later in the control group.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference in BBS between the first day and 24 hours later in the KT group (P = .01). The forward reach test and mediolateral displacement of the COP differed significantly after taping in the experimental group compared to the control group (P = .04). Immediately after taping, BBS improved significantly in the KT group (P = .02).


CONCLUSIONS
The application of KT improved forward reach test results and displacement of the COP in stroke patients.
['Rojhani-Shirazi|Zahra|Z|', 'Amirian|Shiva|S|', 'Meftahi|Narges|N|']
D000328:Adult D000842:Ankle D055052:Athletic Tape D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D004856:Postural Balance D012678:Sensation Disorders D020521:Stroke D013997:Time Factors D016896:Treatment Outcome
kinesio taping postural control Stroke equinovarus deformity Berg Balance Scale