Does correcting position and increasing sensorial input of the foot and ankle with Kinesio Taping improve balance in stroke patients?

BACKGROUND: We thought that the application of Kinesio Tape (KT) on the foot and ankle in stroke patients may improve the quality of somatosensory information and may activate ankle muscles which have an important role in postural control and that ultimately balance could be improved in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of KT on balance in stroke patients. METHODS: Nineteen stroke patients and 16 healthy controls were included in the study. The study group was evaluated with and without KT. Balance of the all subjects was evaluated Sensory Organization Tests (SOT) by using the Computerized Dynamic Posturography. Equilibrium, Strategy Analysis and Composite Equilibrium Scores were investigated in SOT. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in all of the SOT parameters between stroke patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05). When the results with and without KT application were compared, the Equilibrium Scores in the conditions 3, 4, 6, Strategy Analysis Score in the conditions 2, 4, 6 and the Composite Equilibrium Score of the SOT were found to be improved in stroke patents (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from KT application are promising in improving balance in stroke patients.