Despite being nearly independent in daily life, chronic high-functioning stroke survivors still experienced mild impairments in skilled hand function. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been used to help stroke patients improve their balance and ambulation. Few studies explored the effects of KT on fine motor function in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hand function performance of high-functioning stroke survivors after KT. Participants were divided into two groups: KT group and control group. Last two days, the KT group received KT intervention. After the taping was removed, baseline and post-test evaluation were conducted. Outcome measures included muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), spasticity, fine motor function, and self-reported upper limb disability. The results revealed that the KT group had less spasticity, increasing ROM trend, and improved fine motor function and disability. KT improved spasticity, active movement, and muscle flexibility, resulting in more skilled and delicate hand function in chronic high-functioning stroke survivors.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
17
Kinesio taping is a non-invasive physical treatment, which is breathable, hypoallergenic and elastic. Because of the mechanical properties and physiological effects, Kinesio taping has been thought to relieve pain, reduce swelling, support and relax soft tissue, promote motor performance, and correct posture or abnormal movement patterns.
An Nan Hospital, China Medical University
Tainan, Taiwan
Muscle strength
The maximum grip force and the muscle strength of the wrist extensor and flexor
Time frame: Baseline and post-test( 2 days later)
AROM and PROM
The AROM and PROM of wrist flexion and extension (AROM and PROM in degrees). The AROM and PROM of the wrist flexion and extension were measured with the goniometers.
Time frame: Baseline and post-test( 2 days later)
Spasticity
Spasticity of wrist and finger flexor and extensor. The spasticity of wrist and finger flexor and extensor were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
Time frame: Baseline and post-test( 2 days later)
The Action Research Arm Test
gross motor and fine motor function of the upper limb, which included grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement
Time frame: Baseline and post-test( 2 days later)
Quick DASH
To measure the disability and symptoms of the upper limb, participants self-reported the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and post-test( 2 days later))
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