title: The effects of non-elastic taping on muscle tone in stroke patients: a pilot study.
abstract: [Purpose] Hemiplegia occurs when posturing with a dominant flexor tone is present in the upper limbs, thus preventing increased abnormal tone. We attempted to improve the side effects of this condition using elbow re-positioning with non-elastic tape; this method is used to modulate abnormal muscle tone in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen post-stroke patients were included in this study. Non-elastic tape was applied to the elbow joint in a spiral manner. Before and after the tape was applied, the degree of spasticity (hypertonia) was measured in the elbow flexor muscles using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Global synkinesis (GS) intensity using electromyography (EMG) was measured in the biceps brachii and triceps brachii during voluntary isometric elbow contractions of the contralateral upper limbs. [Results] Application of non-elastic tape at the elbow joint significantly changed the GS intensity, but no significant changes were found when compared with the MAS. [Conclusion] This study demonstrates that non-elastic tape can be used to decrease abnormal elbow flexor tone. The findings may be used to influence the choice of intervention regarding muscle tone and spastic elbow flexion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jun Sub
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Gwon Uk
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Seol
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: Muscle tone; Non-elastic taping; Stroke
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