title: Kinesthetic taping improves walking function in patients with stroke: a pilot cohort study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stroke is an important cause of severe disability and impaired motor function. Treatment modalities that improve motor function in patients with stroke are needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesthetic taping of the anterior thigh and knee on maximal walking speed and clinical indices of spasticity in patients with stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two patients (9 women) receiving rehabilitation after stroke (average, 50 days since stroke) who had impaired walking ability were recruited. Primary outcome was maximal walking speed measured by the 10-meter walk test. Secondary outcomes were number of steps taken during the test and clinical signs of spasticity measured by the Tardieu Scale. Tests were conducted before and immediately after application of kinesthetic tape to the anterior thigh and knee of the paretic lower limb.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After application of the tape, the maximal walking speed increased, on average, by 0.08 m/s (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.12; P < .0001). The number of steps taken during the test was significantly decreased by 1.4 steps (95% CI, -2.3 to -0.5; P < .0031). The Tardieu scores were not significantly changed by the tape intervention, although a trend was observed indicating a lesser degree of spasticity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate that kinesthetic taping of the anterior thigh and knee provides an immediate improvement in walking function in patients with stroke. Such a positive effect on motor function could be a valuable adjunct in physical therapy and rehabilitation of patients with stroke.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Motor Function Laboratory, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Birgitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Boeskov
authors.affiliation: Clinical Motor Function Laboratory, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Line Tornehøj
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Carver
authors.affiliation: Clinical Motor Function Laboratory, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: von Essen-Leise
authors.affiliation: Clinical Motor Function Laboratory, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Marius
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Henriksen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013848:Thigh / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: motor function; neurology; physical therapy; rehabilitation; spasticity