title: Effects of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Postural Control in Stroke Patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To investigate the effects of kinesio taping on postural control in stroke patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty stroke patients aged 30 to 60 years were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group, kinesio tape (KT) was applied directly on the skin over the affected ankle in the direction of dorsiflexion and eversion to correct the equinovarus deformity. The tape was kept on the ankle for 1 day. The results were measured with the forward reach test, lateral reach test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and timed up and go test. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity were also measured while the patients stood on a force plate. All variables were measured on the first day immediately after taping and 24 hours later in the KT group, and on the first day and also 24 hours later in the control group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant difference in BBS between the first day and 24 hours later in the KT group (P = .01). The forward reach test and mediolateral displacement of the COP differed significantly after taping in the experimental group compared to the control group (P = .04). Immediately after taping, BBS improved significantly in the KT group (P = .02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of KT improved forward reach test results and displacement of the COP in stroke patients.
authors: Center of Human Motion Science Research, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Electronic address: rojhaniz@sums.ac.ir.
authors: Zahra
authors: Z
authors: Rojhani-Shirazi
authors: Center of Human Motion Science Research, Student Research Committee, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors: Shiva
authors: S
authors: Amirian
authors: Center of Human Motion Science Research, Student Research Committee, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors: Narges
authors: N
authors: Meftahi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D055052:Athletic Tape; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Berg Balance Scale; Stroke; equinovarus deformity; kinesio taping; postural control