J Korean Phys Ther.  2021 Feb;33(1):21-27. 10.18857/jkpt.2021.33.1.21.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on Balance and Gait in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies in Korea

• Kim BG
• Cho WS
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2519946
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2021.33.1.21

Abstract

Purpose
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) for balance and gait in patients with stroke through meta-analysis of studies conducted in Korea.
Methods
RISS, Science on, and DBPia were the three databases used to collect articles on KT. Keywords such as “Stroke,” “Kinesio taping,” “Elasticity taping,” and “Taping” were used to search for published articles. We systematically searched from the inception of each database to November 2020. Interventions and comparisons were KT and without KT. Outcome measures were the timed up and go (TUG) and 10-meter walking tests (10MWT). Consequently, six studies were selected for the second screening using meta-analyses.
Results
Based on the results of the meta-analysis, comparison between patients with and without KT showed that KT was effective for TUG (ES: 2.51, 95% CI: 2.12 to 2.90); however, it was not effective for 10MWT (ES: 0.79, 95% CI: -0.04 to 1.62).
Conclusion
The current evidence suggests that KT is more effective than without KT interventions for balance function in post-stroke patients. However, more well-conducted randomized controlled trials are required in the future.

Keyword

Stroke; Kinesio taping; Balance; Gait