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

Abstract

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.

Effectiveness of Shoulder Taping in Treating Hemiplegic Shoulder Subluxation: A Randomized Controlled Study of 35 Patients

“…Kinesiology taping can be an alternative intervention for patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain. According to a meta-analysis by Wang et al [ 50 ], kinesiology taping can be recommended to improve pain, SSD, disability, upper extremity function, and ROM. Thus, previous studies support the shoulder kinesiology taping method that was used to perform the role of the deltoid and external rotator in the present study.…”

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Taping on Wrist Spasticity, Strength, and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial

“…However, most studies on the combined effects of spasticity treatments have been conducted on the lower limbs [10]. A meta-analysis on the application of taping to the upper extremities demonstrated that it was effective for shoulder pain, subluxation, disability, upper extremity function, and range of motion [26]; however, the evidence for its effects on spasticity was reported to be weak due to a lack of related studies. We hypothesized that the simultaneous application of TENS and taping in stroke patients would be effective in improving spasticity, strength, and motor function compared to TENS alone.…”

Utilização da bandagem elástica funcional no tratamento fonoaudiológico da paralisia facial pós-AVC na fase aguda

“…Dentre os objetivos descritos na literatura, a BEF auxilia na contração e na função motora da musculatura enfraquecida, nas circulações sanguínea e linfática e no favorecimento do aumento da propriocepção por excitação dos mecanorreceptores cutâneos (11,12) . A BEF pode promover estímulos sensoriais e mecânicos duradouros e constantes na pele, acionar o sistema nervoso central, ocorrendo recrutamento de neurônios motores o que resulta em aumento do tônus muscular e pode auxiliar na neuroplasticidade (11,13,14) .…”