Immediate Effect of Elastic Taping on Postural Sway in Patients with Stroke

Abstract

Stroke can cause leg weakness, sensory abnormalities, and balance disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of elastic taping on postural sway in patients with stroke. This study randomly applied elastic taping to 20 patients with stroke in two ways. The center of pressure (COP) distribution was measured before and after the elastic taping. The measurement variables were COP area and length, and measurements were performed immediately after taping. The elastic taping on tibialis anterior muscle showed a significant decrease in COP area and length compared to that without elastic taping. The elastic taping on gastrocnemius muscles showed a significant decrease in COP area and length compared to that without elastic taping. There was no significant difference in COP area and length between the elastic taping on tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius muscles. Our results suggested that applying elastic taping on the ankle joints is effective in decreasing postural sway after in patients with stroke.

Keywords

• Elastic Taping;
• Ankle Joint;
• Postural Sway;
• Stroke