Immediate effect of hip taping on balance and walking ability in cane-dependent ambulators with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that cane-dependent post-stroke ambulators have poor balance and gait performance. Adhesive taping on the hip may be used as a therapeutic modality for improving range of motion and muscle activity in individuals with stroke.

AIM

The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of the hip extensor and abductor taping on balance and walking ability in cane-dependent ambulators with chronic stroke.

DESIGN

This study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatients from a hospital rehabilitation department.

POPULATION

Twenty-eight cane-dependent ambulators with chronic stroke were recruited.

METHODS

Participants were randomized into either the control group with sham tape (N.=14) or experimental group with non-elastic tape (N.=14). The Berg Balance Scale, gait speed, 6-minute walk test, and Fall Efficacy Scale were measured with and without taping.

RESULTS

After taping, participants in the experimental group showed significant improvement in the Berg Balance Scale, gait speed, and 6-minute walk test. Furthermore, experimental group showed significant improvement in the Berg Balance Scale and 6-minute walk test compared with sham taping control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-elastic tape could immediately improve balance, gait speed, and endurance in cane-dependent ambulators with chronic stroke.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Non-elastic tape may be a useful adjunct to current rehabilitation strategies for individuals with chronic stroke.