Postural instability among patients with stroke is thought to impact activities of daily living, independent living and gait. As previous studies have demonstrated that kinesio tape (KT) can improve postural control and gait, this study was designed to determine the short-term effects of KT on ankle stability in patients with stroke.

Subjects were 40 patients with chronic stroke, between the ages of 30 and 60 years. The participants scored 21 to 56 on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and spasticity levels of two to three on the modified Ashworth Scale. All were able to stand for at least 30 seconds, change walking direction and understand instructions. For all patients, KT was applied to the affected ankle in the direction of dorsiflexion and eversion to correct the equinovarus deformity. Postural control was evaluated by functional tests and force plate measurements before and after the application of the tape.

At 24 hours, significant differences were seen between groups in the functional reach test (P＝0.04), and mediolateral center of pressure and displacement (P＝0.04). Immediately after KT, the BBS scores improved significantly in the KT group (P＝0.02), with no other immediate improvements noted.

This study of patients with chronic stroke found that kinesio tape can improve elements of postural control, with these effects most apparent at 24 hours after taping.