The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Shoulder Symptoms in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aims

The present review was aimed to indicate the existing effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) use in stroke patients with shoulder symptoms.

Methods

The literature search was carried out in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) databases. The quality assessment was accomplished using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A narrative synthesis was conducted to present the results.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in the study. The contribution of the KT to internal and external range of motion (ROM), specifically flexion and abduction, was emphasized. KT’s additional advantages to reducing pain, spasticity, and increasing motor function (including electromyography findings) were highlighted. Function scores and stroke staging of the individuals were improved with reducing the severity of the subluxation and a more stable shoulder joint.

Conclusion

The present systematic review reported the positive effects of KT on shoulder pain, spasticity, passive-ROM, active-ROM, and motor function in individuals with stroke.

Keywords:

• Cerebrovascular disease
• hemiplegia
• kinesio taping
• shoulder pain
• stroke

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest and certify that no funding has been received for this study and/or preparation of this manuscript.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.