Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Kinesio Taping Improves Range of Motion of Ankle Dorsiflexion and Balance Ability in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Donghwan Park,Youngsook Bae

doi:10.3390/healthcare9111426

Donghwan Park, Youngsook Bae

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111426

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Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern Kinesio taping (KT) application on the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) and balance ability in patients with chronic stroke. This crossover study included 18 patients with stroke. The subjects were randomly assigned to three interventions: barefoot, ankle KT (A-KT), and PNF-KT. The A-KT was applied to the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, and subtalar eversion. The PNF-KT was applied on the extensor hallucis, extensor digitorum, and TA muscles. DR-ROM was measured using the iSen™, a wearable sensor. Balance ability was assessed based on static balance, measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS), and dynamic balance, measured by the timed up and go (TUG) test and dynamic gait index (DGI). Compared with the barefoot and A-KT interventions, PNF-KT showed significant improvements in the ankle DF-ROM and BBS scores, TUG, and DGI. PNF-KT, for functional muscle synergy, improved the ankle DF-ROM and balance ability in patients with chronic stroke. Therefore, the application of PNF-KT may be a feasible therapeutic method for improving ankle movement and balance in patients with chronic stroke. Additional research is recommended to identify the long-term effects of the PNF-KT.

Highlights

Lower limb somatosensory impairments are present in a majority of chronic stroke survivors and differ widely across modalities
The spastic foot, which is common in subjects after stroke, is characterized by “foot drop”, which is defined as the inability to raise the front part of ankle and toe, and is due to plantarflexion stiffness, dorsiflexion weakness, and a decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) [3]
This study showed that A-kinesio taping (KT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-KT significantly increased the ankle DF-ROM, Biodex Balance System (BBS), dynamic gait index (DGI), and decreased timed up and go (TUG) time compared with the barefoot intervention

Summary

Introduction

Lower limb somatosensory impairments are present in a majority of chronic stroke survivors and differ widely across modalities. Bodyweight leaning towards the non-paretic side reduces their balance [5], leading to an asymmetric weight distribution, inefficient gait compensations, and increased incidence of falls [6]. This further reduces postural control [7]. AFO is commonly prescribed to assist people with stroke to facilitate their ankle-foot function [11]; the use of AFO has a disadvantage, in that it can negatively affect walking ability by causing abnormal muscle activity, pain, fatigue, and limited ankle movement [12,13].

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