Immediate effects of ankle eversion taping on gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to assess the immediate effects of applying ankle eversion taping using kinesiology tape in patients with foot drop after stroke.

DESIGN

Randomized cross-over trial.

METHOD

In this study, fifteen subjects with stroke underwent three interventions in a random order. Subjects were randomly initially assigned to an ankle balance taping, placebo taping, and no taping each group. The ankle eversion taping was used for mechanical correction. Ankle eversion taping is involved in ankle dorsiflexion and eversion. The placebo taping began from both malleolus and was applied up to the middle point of the lower limb. Gait ability was assessed by the GAITRite System. The measured gait variables are gait velocity, step length, stride length, H-H base support, and cadence. All of the measurements were performed immediately after intervention.

RESULTS

Our results showed gait function in chronic stroke patients was improved after ankle eversion taping. Velocity, step length, stride length and cadence under the ankle eversion taping conditions significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the placebo and no taping conditions. Ankle eversion taping significantly reduced (p < 0.05) H-H base support compared to the no taping condition.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the application of ankle eversion taping that uses kinesiology tape instantly increased the gait ability of chronic stroke patients with foot drop. However, more research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of the ankle eversion taping.