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.