Effect of Kinesiology Taping of the Middle Back on Static Balance in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Effect of Kinesiology Taping of the Middle Back on Static Balance in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: Stroke is a neurological disorder characterized by an impaired static balance. A change in poor posture after stroke may worsen static balance. The balance control through an upright posture may include kinesiology taping of the middle back. Objectives: To investigated the effect of kinesiology taping of middle back on static balance in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 10 patients with stroke were divided into two groups. The experimental and control groups received kinesiology taping and placebo taping of the middle back, respectively. After 24 h, static balance (i.e., sway area and path length) was measured in closed eyes condition. Results: The experimental group (kinesiology taping group) showed a significant decrease in sway area and path length after the intervention. In addition, kinesiology taping group showed a significant decrease in sway area and path length compared to the control group. Conclusion: Kinesiology taping of the middle back can improve static balance in stroke patients.