Comparison of the effects of kinesio taping methods applied to the hand and forearm on muscle tone and motor functions in stroke patients

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of hand and forehand kinesio taping on muscle tone and motor functions in stroke patients. A total of 32 stroke patients including 16 individuals in both groups were included in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: hand kinesio taping group (n=16) and forearm kinesio taping group (n=16). Epidermis-dermis-fascia method, functional and mechanical correction kinesio taping technique was applied for 30 minutes in a single session in hand kinesio taping group. In the forearm kinesio taping group, the taping was applied to the forearm for 30 minutes in a single session. The patients were evaluated before taping and after 30 minutes of kinesio taping. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used to evaluate the elbow, wrist and finger muscle tone of the patients. Upper extremity gross and fine motor functions were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) Assessment Scale and motor skills were evaluated using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Wrist range of motion (ROM) was measured with a goniometer. Descriptive and clinical characteristics of the patients were similar (p>0.05). When compared before and after the application in the hand kinesio taping group, it was observed that the MAS of wrist flexor muscles, FM-UE, WMFT-functional skill level and wrist ROM were improved (p<0.05). In the forearm kinesio taping group, it was found that MAS of forearm flexor muscles, FM-UE, WMFT-functional level and wrist ROM were improved (p<0.05). When the two groups were compared, it was found that there was no difference between the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, it was found that kinesio taping could be improved hand and wrist muscle tone and motor functions immediately. However, there was no difference between the taping method using different techniques. It was thought that kinesio taping method has an effect by increasing the sensory inputs rather than the application techniques. In future studies, the duration of this effect and the long-term effects of kinesio taping with physiotherapy program should be investigated. Keywords: Stroke, Range of Motion, Hand, Forearm.