Effect of kinesio taping on balance in stroke patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stabilizing ankle kinesio taping on balance in stroke patients. 41 people who had stroke diagnosis and between time period of 3-24 months after diagnosis included into this study. Mean age of patients was 60,3 years. Patients divided into 2 groups which are control (n=20) and study (n=21). After patients demographic data were collected BESTest, functional forward reach, timed up and go and Tetrax balance system tests were applied. Control group was assessed before treatment, 1st week and 2 weeks after. Study group assessed with the same tests plus one balance test performed immediately after the intervention. There was no significant difference between groups for timed up and go, Tetrax 5-6, Tetrax 7-8 and weight distribution index (p>0,05). There was a significant increase in favor of study group with BESTest and functional forward reach test scores (p<0,05). There was no significant difference for the immediately after intervention results in all tests (p>0,05). In this study we found that Kinesio taping increased dynamic balance but it had no effect on static balance. As a result we found 1 week usage of Kinesio taping is suitable and Kinesio taping has no immediate effect on balance. We suggest that usage of Kinesio taping could be ideal for dynamic balance. Keywords: Balance, Hemiplegia, Kinesiotaping, Proprioception, Tetax