Effects of kinesio taping combined with upper extremity function training home program on upper limb function and...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke significantly impairs upper extremity function and self-efficacy.
• Home-based programs are crucial for long-term recovery in stroke patients.
• Evidence for adjunct therapies to enhance home programs is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping combined with an upper extremity function home program for stroke patients.
• To compare this combined intervention against a home program alone.
• To provide therapeutic evidence for home program interventions.

Main Methods:

• 53 stroke patients were randomized into an experimental (kinesio taping + home program) or control (home program only) group.
• Intervention lasted 6 weeks (30 sessions).
• Evaluated upper extremity function using Surface Electromyography (SEMG), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory-9 (CAHAI-9), and motor activity log; assessed self-efficacy with the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES).

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significant improvements in SEMG, CAHAI-9, and SES (P<0.01).
• Statistically significant differences between groups were observed for CAHAI-9, motor activity log (quality of movement), and SES (P<0.05).
• Kinesio taping alongside the home program led to greater functional gains.

Conclusions:

• Kinesio taping enhances the effectiveness of upper extremity home programs for stroke patients.
• This combined approach positively impacts motor function recovery and self-esteem.
• Kinesio taping offers wrist stability, improving functional outcomes in home-based rehabilitation.