EFFECT OF KINESIO TAPING ON THE NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION PROCESS IN PATIENTS WITH HEMIPLEGIC SHOULDER

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying kinesio tape to the shoulder area to relieve hemiplegic shoulder pain and improve upper extremity function in patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation. Method: This study included 69 patients aged 18 years and over who were hospitalized for neurological rehabilitation following the diagnosis of post-stroke hemiplegia and experienced shoulder pain and functional difficulties. The patients were divided into two groups: control (n=30) and kinesio tape (n=39). Blue kinesio tape was applied to the intervention group once a week, four times, leaving the tape on for seven days. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity scale and the Visual Analog Scale pain scores of the patients were recorded at the beginning of the study and the end of the first month. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups’ demographic, radiological, and clinical evaluations (p>0.05). Significant improvements were detected in both groups’ Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity scale and Visual Analog Scale scores, significantly greater in the kinesio tape group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Kinesio tape, applied in addition to the neurological rehabilitation program, can reduce shoulder pain, increase upper extremity functions, and increase patients’ adherence to the neurological rehabilitation process in patients diagnosed with a stroke. Comprehensive, randomized, and controlled studies on this subject are needed.