Kinesio Taping for Upper Extremity Motor Function in Acute Stroke Patients

NCT07300605 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: KUSOM-IRB-2018/249
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 26
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity motor recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented with flaccid muscle tone. Twenty-six adults were randomly assigned to either a kinesio taping group or a sham taping group, in addition to receiving standard rehabilitation. Participants were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the 3-week taping period, and at 6 weeks using validated measures of motor function, pain, general health, and depression. The study aimed to determine whether kinesio taping provides additional benefits beyond conventional rehabilitation in improving motor performance of the wrist and hand, reducing pain, and supporting overall functional and emotional well-being in the early phase of stroke recovery.

Conditions

Acute Ischemic Stroke; Upper Extremity Hemiplegia; Kinesio Taping

Keywords

Kinesio Taping; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity Recovery; Brunnstrom Stages; Fugl-Meyer Assessment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Fugl-Meyer Wrist, Sitting Position Upper Extremity and Hand Scores

  Fugl Meyer Rating Scale (FMRS) was used to evaluate motor function. This scale was developed to evaluate the patient's sensorimotor recovery after stroke by the Brunnstrom motor healing stages. The scale covers the upper extremity in 3 parts: the shoulder-elbow-forearm, the sitting position in the wrist, the hand; and allows the evaluation of reflex activity, synergy patterns and voluntary movements. It is a reliable method for assessing the severity of post-stroke sensorimotor impairment. The maximum total score for the upper extremity in FMRS is 66.

  Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Change in Brunnstrom Staging (Upper Extremity and Hand)

  Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

• Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Hand Pain

  Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

• Change in Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index

  Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

• Change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Score

  Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

Study Arms (2)

Kinesio Taping

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received kinesio taping applied to the dorsum of the hand and forearm using standard facilitation techniques with approximately 25% tension, in addition to conventional rehabilitation.

Other: Kinesio Taping

Sham Taping

SHAM COMPARATOR

Participants received sham taping without tension and without crossing joints, mimicking the appearance of kinesio taping but without therapeutic effect, in addition to conventional rehabilitation.

Other: Sham Taping

Interventions

Kinesio Taping OTHER

Kinesio tape was applied to the dorsum of the hand with five 1-cm I-strips and one 5-cm I-strip extending toward the forearm, with \~25% stretch. Three applications over approximately 3 weeks.

Kinesio Taping

Sham Taping OTHER

Sham taping was performed using Y- and I-strips without stretch and without crossing joints. Three applications over approximately 3 weeks.

Sham Taping

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 50 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 50-80 years
• Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI
• Within first 6 months after stroke onset
• Brunnstrom Stage 1 for upper extremity and hand (flaccid muscle tone)
• Sufficient cognitive ability to follow instructions
• Participation in inpatient or outpatient stroke rehabilitation
• Ability to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Hemorrhagic stroke etiology
• Prior upper extremity surgery, fracture, contracture, or heterotopic ossification
• Brachial plexus injury or peripheral nerve lesions
• Additional neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, polyneuropathy)
• Severe shoulder pain (VAS ≥ 5) that could interfere with assessments
• Significant musculoskeletal disorders affecting the hemiplegic upper extremity
• Uncontrolled comorbidities that prevent participation in rehabilitation
• Inability to complete follow-up assessments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Koç University: lead

Study Sites (1)

SB Istanbul Education and Research Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Ischemic Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stroke; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Study Officials

• Havvanur Albayrak

  Koç University School of Medicine

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Specialist Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Model Details: Participants were randomized into two parallel groups: kinesio taping and sham taping.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 30, 2025
• First Posted: December 24, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2018
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2018
• Study Completion: November 10, 2018
• Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)