Utilizing Kinesio

Tape with
Adults After
Stroke
By: Lori Spires, OTS
 Abstract
Kinesio Taping is a rehabilitation technique that is
designed to facilitate the bodys natural healing process while
providing support and stability to muscles and joints without
restricting the bodys range of motion. It also provides extended
soft tissue manipulations to promote the movement of fluids
underneath the skin such as edema. Recent evidence has
shown Kinesio Taping to be beneficial in occupational therapy
with adults after stroke. The benefits are found in increased
upper extremity function of these patients by reducing edema as
well as providing support for shoulder pain and/or subluxation.
The purpose of this Scholarly Agenda is to evaluate the
evidence regarding the effectiveness of using Kinesio Tape in
2 occupational therapy to increase upper extremity function.
 Introduction
PIO: Is Kinesio Taping (KT) effective
in improving upper extremity function
for adults after stroke?

Population: Adults after stroke

Intervention: Kinesio taping
Outcome: Improve upper extremity function
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 Significance
Previously: Only exposure to KT in athletics,
personally used
Recently: Witnessed a pt. post-stroke with KT
at transfer day with positive experience
(Harmarville Inpatient Rehabiliation)
In the future: May consider using KT if
evidence-based

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 Search Strategy
Databases: Medline, CINAHL, & AJOT

Search terms:
Kinesio Tape
Stroke rehabilitation
Stroke
Occupational therapy
Upper extremity

Inclusion criteria: Post-stroke patients, Upper extremity taping,

Occupational Therapy, edema, shoulder support, shoulder subluxation
Exclusion criteria: Physical therapy study, Lower extremity taping, trunk
taping, other diagnosis other than stroke

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 Evidence Found
Very limited evidence
Many articles with KT
6 articles- occupational therapy and KT
3 total articles identified with upper extremity
function
Two randomized controlled trials (Level I)
One expert written article (Level V)

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Article #1: Effects of Kinesio Tape to Reduce
Hand Edema in Acute Stroke
Study Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio
Tape in reducing edema in individuals who experienced acute hemiplegia post-stroke.
Methods: Randomized Experimental Design
Participants: 17 Pt.s admitted to an acute stroke rehabilitation floor
Measurements: Edema circumferential measurements at wrist and MCP joints
before and after 6 day treatment
Intervention (n=9) Control (n=8)
Kinesio Tape applied to affected UE Did not receive Kinesio Tape for UE
Tape was on for 6 days Edema reduction techniques that
Reapplication of Tape was applied as showed utility other than edma control
needed could be used

Outcomes: The experimental group showed a small reduction in both MCP and wrist
circumferential measures, while the control group showed an increase in both joints.
No statistical difference between groups. A large effect size was seen at the MCP and
a medium effect size was seen at the wrist for the experimental group.
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Article #2: Effects of Kinesio taping for Stroke
Patients with Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Study Objectives: To investigate the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on hemiplegic
shoulder pain among stroke patients.
Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Participants: 21 patients less than 6 months post-stroke
Measurements: Pain intensity (NRS) resting and during ROM, Shoulder Pain and
Disability Index (SPADI), and Ultrasound
Process: Study was 3 weeks: 3 days with tape, removed, 1 day without and then
reapplied
Intervention (n=11) Control (n=10)
KT was applied over the line of shoulder Sham (fake) KTwas applied in a similar
joint from suprapinatus, Y-shape on biceps fashion with no tension and it did not cover
and deltoid, and anterior to posterior the joints
shoulder covering acromioclavicular joint

Outcomes: Significant differences in the intervention group for numerical pain scale
and SPADI from pre to post intervention. No significant differences between-groups.
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Article #3: Effects of Kinesio Taping for Stroke
Patients with Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Study Objectives: To review the important factors in restoring the
upper extremity function following a stroke and to promote the potential
use of Kinesio taping to restore functional use of the upper extremity in
hemiplegia.

Methods: The authors described the anatomy and kinesiology of the

upper extremity and how this could be impacted by stroke. They
explained and showed pictures of different ways to use Kinesio tape to
combat these functional and physical deficits from after stroke.

Outcomes: The use of Kinesio taping in conjunction with an

established rehabilitation program may play an important role in the
reduction of post stroke shoulder pain, soft tissue inflammation, muscle
9 weakness and postural malalignment
 Resources
Bell, A. & Muller, M. (2013). Effects of kinesio tape to reduce hand edema in acute stroke. Topics in

Stroke Rehabilitation, 20 (3), 283-288. doi: 10.1310/tsr2003-283

Huang, Y., Chang, K., Liou, T., Cheng, C., Lin, L., & Huang, S. (2017). Effects of kinesio taping for

stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled

study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 49, 208-215.

Jaraczewska, E. & Long, C. (2006). Kinesio Taping in stroke: Improving functional use of the upper

extremity in hemiplegia. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 13 (3), 31-42. doi: 10.1310/33KA-

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 THANKS!
Any questions?

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