Additional Effects of Kinesio-Taping Along with Conservative Physical Therapy on Upper Limb Function, Range of Motion and Spasticity in the Patients with Subacute Stroke

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this study are:

1. To determine the additional effects of kinesio taping in combination with physical therapy on ROM of upper limb shoulder, elbow and wrist joint in subacute stroke patients

2. To determine the additional effects of kinesio taping in combination with physical therapy on upper limb spasticity in subacute stroke patients

3. To determine the effects of kinesio taping on upper limb function in subacute stroke patients.

HYPOTHESIS:

Alternate Hypothesis:

There is a statistically significant difference between kinesio taping combined with physical therapy on ROM, spacticity and function of upper limb Shoulder, elbow and wrist joints in patients with subacute stroke compared to conventional physical therapy.

Null Hypothesis:

There is no statistically significant difference between kinesio taping combined with physical therapy on ROM, spacticity and function of upper limb Shoulder, elbow and wrist joints in patients with subacute stroke compared to conventional physical therapy.

Research Design: Experimental study. Randomized Control Trial

Clinical setting: Rehabilitation department, Fauji Foundation Hospital , leading edge physical therapy and rehabilitation islamabad.

Study duration: 6 months.

Selection Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria

• Age group: 40-65 years onwards

• Both males and females

• Patients with history of diagnosed stroke and lie within subacute stage of stroke

• MAS scale score of 1_2

Exclusion Criteria

• Any congenital deformities

• cognitive deficits

• Fractures

• Upper limb surgery

Sampling technique: Convenience sampling

Outcome Measures:

Data will be collected on Demographics and general information Goniometer will be used to assess the range of motion of shoulder, elbow and wrist joint Modified Ashworth scale will be used to determine the level of spasticity in the participants.

Wolf motor function test scale for upper limb will be used to assess upper limb function.

Experimental Group (A) = This group will receive kinesio taping every alternate day for six weeks combined with conservational physical therapy which includes AROMs, PROMs, PNF D1 flexion and extension, resistance raining using resistance band of medium resistane.

and their outcomes will be measured at baseline and at 3rd week and at the end of 6th week treatment.

Control group (B) =this group will not receieve kinesio taping , only conservationall Physical therapy will be given and their outcomes will be observed at the baseline, at third week and then after treatment of 06 weeks.

Data analysis techniques:

The data will be analyzed through SPSS 21 and Data would be analyzed based on the study design chosen that is random control experimental study.

A printed questionnaire will be provided to the participents after obtaining written consent and providing adequate explanation regarding the study, after which the data will be presented in the form of graphs or tables.

Significance of the study:

This study will add data to the literature. Providing evidence-based data and aiding healthcare providers to incorporate kinesio taping as an adjunct intervention.

This study will also provide a feasible and cost-effective treatment to the patient diagnosed with subacute stroke.

Kinesio taping is easy to apply, potentially beneficial treatment options for patients with subacute stroke upper limb dysfunction.