Effect of kinesio taping on hemiplegic shoulder pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping for the management of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, Wan Fang databases and the grey literature research were searched from inception to July 2020. Methods: We considered randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese that used kinesio taping for the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, scored the methodological quality using the PEDro scale, assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane’s risk of bias tool and extracted the data. The outcomes included pain, motor function of the upper limb, magnitude of shoulder subluxation and activities of daily living post-intervention. Results: A total of nine studies ( n = 424) met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of kinesio taping on pain (mean difference(MD)= −1.45, 95% confidence interval(CI): −1.98 to–0.92 cm, p < 0.0001), motor function of upper limb (MD = 4.22,95%CI: 3.49 to 4.95, p < 0.00001), magnitude of shoulder subluxation (standardized mean difference(SMD) = −0.65, 95%CI: −0.95 to −0.35, p < 0.0001) and activities of daily living (MD = 6.86, 95% CI: 3.99 to 9.73, p < 0.00001) post-intervention. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of kinesio taping for reducing shoulder subluxation, improving motor function of the upper limb and activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain post-intervention, which could not be interpreted simply as a placebo effect. And it was associated with reduced pain for patients with chronic stroke.

Brazilian Academy of Neurology practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: part I

“…Suprascapular nerve blocks, with and without corticosteroids, increased passive range of motion 55 . A functional bandage reduced shoulder subluxation, improved upper limb motor function and activities of everyday life, and reduced pain when compared to placebo 56,57 .…”

Prevalence, risk factor and outcome in middle-aged and elderly population affected by hemiplegic shoulder pain: An observational study

“…Korkmaz et al ( 52 ) found that the AGTD is strongly related to biceps tendinitis, which can lead to shoulder pain. Many studies have pointed out that transcutaneous nerve electrical stimulation (TENS) around shoulder ( 53 ), wearing of shoulder orthosis ( 54 ) and kinesiology taping ( 18 ) can significantly improve shoulder subluxation and shoulder pain.…”

“…Many treatments can be used to relieve shoulder pain after stroke. Traditional treatment methods include pills, electrical stimulation ( 17 ), kinesio taping ( 18 ), arm orthosis ( 19 ) to protect shoulder joint, closed injection to suppress immune response, shoulder training and other exercise therapies to promote functional recovery of upper limbs and shoulders, traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and acupuncture ( 20 ). Although most patients benefit from traditional treatment, the remaining the patients with persistent shoulder pain do not get relief after using traditional treatment.…”

Short-term effects of kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in healthy subjects

“…The proposed beneficial effects of KT have led to it becoming part of the daily treatment and rehabilitation programs of many sporting therapists ( Dolphin et al, 2021 ). It is proposed to activate the pain-suppressing system and release the compression on nociceptors to relieve the pain ( Montalvo et al, 2014 ; Deng et al, 2021 ). Additionally, KT is suggested to enhance lower-extremity muscle activity, strength, and tone, as well as dynamic stability ( Kim and Kim, 2021 ).…”