Abstract:

Objective: Paralysis after stroke, muscle tone changes, balance and loss of motor control are the main causes of physical disability.Not only can the upper extremity be used functionally, but also the walking functions may be affected.Functional impairment of the upper extremity in stroke patients is one of the factors that negatively affects walking.The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the effects of shoulder and scapula muscles Kinesio Tex tape application by stimulation method on upper extremity functions and gait in stroke patients.®Methods: Thirty-six (23 study, 13 control) patients participated in this study.The Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Box and Block Test (BBT) was used to measure upper-limb functions. VICON motion analysis system was used to measure gait parameters of the patients. After evaluation serratus anterior, middle-low parts of trapezius, anterior-posterior parts of deltoideus muscles of patients in the study group were taped. 1 day after wearing tape all patients measurements were repeated. Results: Groups didn't show significant difference in parameters of JTHFT, BBT and VICON gait analysis before taping (p>0.05). JTEFT and BBT evaluations after taping revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of the study group (p<0.05 for all parameters). In the gait analysis, a significant difference was found in the parameters of the double support phase, step length, cadence and walking speed (p<0.05 for all parameters). Conclusion: These results may imply that shoulder and scapula muscles taping may be beneficial on upper extremity functions and gait parameters in stroke patients

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