Kinesio Taping Associated with Acupuncture in the Treatment of the Paretic Upper Limb After Stroke

This study aimed to analyze the effects of acupuncture associated with KT on the upper limb of patients with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. In this clinical study, 16 subjects were divided into two intervention groups: acupuncture (ACP)—12 sessions of acupuncture—and acupuncture + Kinesio Taping (ACP-KT)—12 sessions of acupuncture plus KT. The Modified Ashworth Scale (spasticity), active goniometry [range of motion (ROM)], and the Wolf Motor Function Test (speed of movement) were used to assess the function of the affected upper limb. As a main result, both groups reduced spasticity in some studied musculature and increased ROM (p < 0.05), without intergroup difference. Moreover, there was no significant improvement concerning speed of movement in either group. Acupuncture was effective in reducing spasticity and increasing ROM of paretic upper limb after stroke, but did not contribute significantly to speed and quality of movement. KT did not show significant benefits concerning the analyzed variables.
Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research