Hemiplegia, Postural Control, Stroke
Conditions
Brief summary
Stroke often leads to postural asymmetry and impaired trunk control, which negatively affect mobility, balance, coordination, and activities of daily living. These impairments increase the risk of falls and reduce functional independence during the rehabilitation process. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of posture-oriented kinesio taping, applied in addition to standard neurological rehabilitation, on functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving kinesio taping plus standard rehabilitation or a control group receiving standard rehabilitation alone. Functional outcomes including trunk control, postural stability, balance, mobility, and activities of daily living will be assessed using validated clinical scales at baseline and after the intervention period. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of posture-oriented kinesio taping as a non-invasive and easily applicable adjunct treatment in stroke rehabilitation.
Interventions
OTHERPosture-Oriented Kinesio Taping
Posture-oriented kinesio taping is applied to trunk and postural muscles to support postural alignment, enhance trunk control, and increase proprioceptive input in patients with stroke. The intervention is delivered as an adjunct to standard neurological rehabilitation and does not replace routine therapy. Kinesio tape is applied by trained clinicians using a standardized posture-focused taping approach, without restricting joint range of motion or limiting functional activities. The taping applications are maintained and renewed at regular intervals throughout the intervention period, with monitoring for skin tolerance and adverse reactions.
OTHERStandard Rehabilitation
Posture-oriented kinesio taping is applied to trunk and postural muscles with the aim of improving postural alignment and trunk control. The taping intervention is administered in addition to a standard neurological rehabilitation program. Applications are performed by trained clinicians using non-elastic-free, hypoallergenic kinesio tape and are renewed at regular intervals during the intervention period. The taping protocol targets postural asymmetry and impaired trunk stability without restricting joint range of motion or limiting functional activities.
Sponsors
Bursa City Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed clinically and/or radiologically * In the subacute or chronic phase of stroke (≥1 month post-stroke) and clinically stable * Presence of postural control and/or trunk control impairment * Ability to participate in a standard neurological rehabilitation program * No severe cognitive impairment or communication disorder that would interfere with outcome assessments * Intact skin at the kinesio taping application sites * Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Acute stroke phase or clinical instability * Severe cognitive impairment, aphasia, or insufficient cooperation that would interfere with reliable outcome assessments * Known allergy or hypersensitivity to kinesio tape * Active dermatological conditions at taping sites (e.g., open wounds, dermatitis, infection) * Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥3) * Presence of other neurological disorders affecting balance or mobility (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Severe orthopedic conditions or cardiopulmonary diseases limiting participation in rehabilitation * Receipt of posture-oriented kinesio taping within the previous 3 months * Concurrent participation in another interventional clinical study that could influence study outcomes
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) | Baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 | The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) is used to assess trunk control, including static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and trunk coordination in patients with stroke. Higher scores indicate better trunk function. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) | Baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 | The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) is used to assess postural control and balance during lying, sitting, and standing activities in individuals with stroke. The scale consists of 12 items, with total scores ranging from 0 to 36, where higher scores indicate better postural control and balance performance. |
| Berg Balance Scale (BBS) | Baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 | The Timed Up and Go Test measures functional mobility and dynamic balance by recording the time required to stand up, walk, turn, and sit down. |
| 10-Meter Walk Test | Baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 | The 10-Meter Walk Test evaluates walking speed as an indicator of functional ambulation. |
| Functional Independence Measure (FIM) | Baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 | The Functional Independence Measure assesses the level of independence in activities of daily living across motor and cognitive domains. |
Contacts
Primary ContactÖmer Berkan Özcan, MD
Outcome results
None listed