The Effectiveness of Applying Kinesio Tape on Ankle and Foot to Influence Balance for Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio Tape on ankle and foot function in chronic stroke survivors. Balance will be considered as the primary outcome, with mobility and spasticity as secondary outcomes due to their intricate relationship with balance impairments. Background: Chronic stroke survivors often face persistent challenges related to balance impairment, which significantly affects their quality of life and functional independence. Kinesio taping has garnered common utilisation within clinical practice for managing balance deficits post stroke. Nevertheless, the clinical efficacy of Kinesio Tape over ankle and foot in improving balance function remains unclear. Inclusion Criteria: A comprehensive search strategy identified six randomised controlled trials suitable for inclusion. Subsequently, during the critical appraisal process, two studies were excluded, leaving four randomised controlled trials for data extraction. Due to the clinical variety among the included studies, a narrative synthesis was employed to present and synthesise the study results. Methods: Searching through CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science, and three other databases, only studies published in English were included. The search was conducted until the end of October 2023. Tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute were employed for critical appraisal and data extraction on the included studies. Results: Three randomised controlled trials measured the immediate effect of Kinesio tape, while only one study measured longer periods. Significant improvements were observed from baseline following the application of Kinesio Tape over the ankle and foot in chronic stroke survivors. This was evidenced by changes in measures such as Centre of Pressure, Timed Up and Go, Timed Up and Down Stairs, Six-minute Walking Test, and Modified Ashworth Scale. Kinesio tape had no observed effects on Functional Ambulation Categories. Positive statistical outcomes of Kinesio taping in comparison to placebo Kinesio taping or no taping groups were noted. However, rigid taping or casting demonstrated a significant difference from Kinesio taping. Although there is a significant difference when comparing Kinesio tape with stretching Conclusions: Kinesio tape application over the ankle and foot appears beneficial; however, long-term effects are unclear. Caution is warranted in interpreting these findings due to the methodological limitations of the included studies. Furthermore, future research is needed to enhance understanding in this field