Acute Ischemic StrokeKT-AcuteStrokeNCT07300605
Kinesio Taping for Upper Extremity Motor Function in Acute Stroke Patients
A study testing Kinesio Taping in people with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Upper Extremity Hemiplegia, run by Koç University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity motor recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented with flaccid muscle tone. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Acute Ischemic Stroke, Upper Extremity Hemiplegia, Kinesio Taping
- What is being tested?
- Kinesio Taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2018to 10 Nov 2018
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 50 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 50-80 years
- Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI
- Within first 6 months after stroke onset
- Brunnstrom Stage 1 for upper extremity and hand (flaccid muscle tone)
- Sufficient cognitive ability to follow instructions
- Participation in inpatient or outpatient stroke rehabilitation
- Ability to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Hemorrhagic stroke etiology
- Prior upper extremity surgery, fracture, contracture, or heterotopic ossification
- Brachial plexus injury or peripheral nerve lesions
- Additional neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, polyneuropathy)
- Severe shoulder pain (VAS ≥ 5) that could interfere with assessments
- Significant musculoskeletal disorders affecting the hemiplegic upper extremity
- Uncontrolled comorbidities that prevent participation in rehabilitation
- Inability to complete follow-up assessments
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
SB Istanbul Education and Research Hospital
Istanbul
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Kinesio Taping on the Upper Extremity Motor Function, Pain, General Health and Depression in Acute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity motor recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented with flaccid muscle tone. Twenty-six adults were randomly assigned to either a kinesio taping group or a sham taping group, in addition to receiving standard rehabilitation. Participants were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the 3-week taping period, and at 6 weeks using validated measures of motor function, pain, general health, and depression. The study aimed to determine whether kinesio taping provides additional benefits beyond conventional rehabilitation in improving motor performance of the wrist and hand, reducing pain, and supporting overall functional and emotional well-being in the early phase of stroke recovery.
Read the detailed description
This prospective, randomized, controlled parallel-group trial investigated the clinical effects of kinesio taping on motor recovery of the upper extremity in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Participants were adults aged 50-80 years, within the first six months after stroke, presenting with Brunnstrom Stage 1 flaccid upper extremity and hand. Individuals with hemorrhagic stroke, prior upper limb surgery, severe shoulder pain, additional neurological conditions, or musculoskeletal complications affecting the upper limb were excluded. All participants received standard rehabilitation, including positioning training, conventional exercises, and splinting as needed.
Participants were randomized (1:1) into a kinesio taping group or a sham taping group. The kinesio taping protocol followed standard facilitation techniques applied to the dorsum of the hand and forearm with appropriate tension, aiming to support finger, wrist, and hand activation. Sham taping was performed without tension and without crossing joints, to avoid therapeutic effect while maintaining participant blinding. Both groups received three taping applications over approximately three weeks.
Outcome measures included Brunnstrom staging, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity, wrist, and hand subscales), Visual Analog Scale for hand pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. Evaluations were performed before treatment, at the end of the 3-week intervention period, and at 6 weeks. Statistical analyses were conducted using standard non-parametric methods for intra- and inter-group comparisons.
The study was designed to determine whether kinesio taping provides additional benefit beyond conventional rehabilitation in facilitating neurophysiological recovery, improving wrist and hand motor function, reducing pain, supporting functional independence, and decreasing depressive symptoms in the acute phase of stroke. No adverse events were observed during the study.
- Being tested
- Kinesio Taping, Sham Taping
- Keywords
- Kinesio Taping, Stroke Rehabilitation, Upper Extremity Recovery, Brunnstrom Stages, Fugl-Meyer Assessment
- Medical subject headings
- Ischemic Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesio TapingOther
Kinesio tape was applied to the dorsum of the hand with five 1-cm I-strips and one 5-cm I-strip extending toward the forearm, with ~25% stretch. Three applications over approximately 3 weeks.
Sham TapingOther
Sham taping was performed using Y- and I-strips without stretch and without crossing joints. Three applications over approximately 3 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Taping | Experimental | Participants received kinesio taping applied to the dorsum of the hand and forearm using standard facilitation techniques with approximately 25% tension, in addition to conventional rehabilitation. Receives: Other: Kinesio Taping |
| Sham Taping | Sham comparator | Participants received sham taping without tension and without crossing joints, mimicking the appearance of kinesio taping but without therapeutic effect, in addition to conventional rehabilitation. Receives: Other: Sham Taping |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Fugl-Meyer Wrist, Sitting Position Upper Extremity and Hand Scores
Fugl Meyer Rating Scale (FMRS) was used to evaluate motor function. This scale was developed to evaluate the patient's sensorimotor recovery after stroke by the Brunnstrom motor healing stages. The scale covers the upper extremity in 3 parts: the shoulder-elbow-forearm, the sitting position in the wrist, the hand; and allows the evaluation of reflex activity, synergy patterns and voluntary movements. It is a reliable method for assessing the severity of post-stroke sensorimotor impairment. The maximum total score for the upper extremity in FMRS is 66.
Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Brunnstrom Staging (Upper Extremity and Hand)
Combined assessment of upper extremity and hand motor recovery using the Brunnstrom Staging system (Stages 1-6). Higher stages indicate progressive neurophysiological motor recovery in the shoulder-elbow-forearm and hand components.
Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Hand Pain
Pain intensity measured using a 10-cm visual analog scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain). Lower scores indicate reduced hand pain.
Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Change in Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index
Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used for the general health evaluation of the patients. HAQ evaluates the functional ability of the patient in both upper and lower extremities. There are 20 questions in eight functionalities that represent a comprehensive range of functional activities, such as dressing, uplifting, eating, walking, hygiene, access, comprehension, and regular activities. The patient's responses are made on a scale from zero (unobstructed) to three (completely disabled).
Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Score
Depressive symptoms measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (0-63). Lower scores indicate reduced depression severity.
Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Jun 2018
- Primary completion1 Sep 2018
- Study completion10 Nov 2018
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Acute Ischemic StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomized into two parallel groups: kinesio taping and sham taping.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Koç University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Havvanur Albayrak, SB Istanbul Education and Research Hospital
- Investigators
- Havvanur Albayrak, Principal investigator, Koç University School of Medicine
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07300605
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KUSOM-IRB-2018/249
- Acronym
- KT-AcuteStroke
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 30 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 24 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Kinesio Taping on the Upper Extremity Motor Function, Pain, General Health and Depression in Acute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07300605
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KT-AcuteStroke / KUSOM-IRB-2018/249
- Keywords
- Kinesio Taping, Stroke Rehabilitation, Upper Extremity Recovery, Brunnstrom Stages, Fugl-Meyer Assessment
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Koç UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2018 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2018 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Nov 2018 (actual)
- First posted
- 24 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity motor recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented with flaccid muscle tone. Twenty-six adults were randomly assigned to either a kinesio taping group or a sham taping group, in addition to receiving standard rehabilitation. Participants were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the 3-week taping period, and at 6 weeks using validated measures of motor function, pain, general health, and depression. The study aimed to determine whether kinesio taping provides additional benefits beyond conventional rehabilitation in improving motor performance of the wrist and hand, reducing pain, and supporting overall functional and emotional well-being in the early phase of stroke recovery.
Detailed description
This prospective, randomized, controlled parallel-group trial investigated the clinical effects of kinesio taping on motor recovery of the upper extremity in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Participants were adults aged 50-80 years, within the first six months after stroke, presenting with Brunnstrom Stage 1 flaccid upper extremity and hand. Individuals with hemorrhagic stroke, prior upper limb surgery, severe shoulder pain, additional neurological conditions, or musculoskeletal complications affecting the upper limb were excluded. All participants received standard rehabilitation, including positioning training, conventional exercises, and splinting as needed.
Participants were randomized (1:1) into a kinesio taping group or a sham taping group. The kinesio taping protocol followed standard facilitation techniques applied to the dorsum of the hand and forearm with appropriate tension, aiming to support finger, wrist, and hand activation. Sham taping was performed without tension and without crossing joints, to avoid therapeutic effect while maintaining participant blinding. Both groups received three taping applications over approximately three weeks.
Outcome measures included Brunnstrom staging, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity, wrist, and hand subscales), Visual Analog Scale for hand pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. Evaluations were performed before treatment, at the end of the 3-week intervention period, and at 6 weeks. Statistical analyses were conducted using standard non-parametric methods for intra- and inter-group comparisons.
The study was designed to determine whether kinesio taping provides additional benefit beyond conventional rehabilitation in facilitating neurophysiological recovery, improving wrist and hand motor function, reducing pain, supporting functional independence, and decreasing depressive symptoms in the acute phase of stroke. No adverse events were observed during the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomized into two parallel groups: kinesio taping and sham taping.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Taping | Experimental | Other: Kinesio TapingParticipants received kinesio taping applied to the dorsum of the hand and forearm using standard facilitation techniques with approximately 25% tension, in addition to conventional rehabilitation. |
| Sham Taping | Sham comparator | Other: Sham TapingParticipants received sham taping without tension and without crossing joints, mimicking the appearance of kinesio taping but without therapeutic effect, in addition to conventional rehabilitation. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Adults aged 50-80 years
- Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI
- Within first 6 months after stroke onset
- Brunnstrom Stage 1 for upper extremity and hand (flaccid muscle tone)
- Sufficient cognitive ability to follow instructions
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Hemorrhagic stroke etiology
- Prior upper extremity surgery, fracture, contracture, or heterotopic ossification
- Brachial plexus injury or peripheral nerve lesions
- Additional neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, polyneuropathy)
- Severe shoulder pain (VAS ≥ 5) that could interfere with assessments
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio TapingKinesio tape was applied to the dorsum of the hand with five 1-cm I-strips and one 5-cm I-strip extending toward the forearm, with ~25% stretch. Three applications over approximately 3 weeks. | Other | Kinesio Taping |
| Sham TapingSham taping was performed using Y- and I-strips without stretch and without crossing joints. Three applications over approximately 3 weeks. | Other | Sham Taping |
Primary outcome
Change in Fugl-Meyer Wrist, Sitting Position Upper Extremity and Hand Scores
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Fugl Meyer Rating Scale (FMRS) was used to evaluate motor function. This scale was developed to evaluate the patient's sensorimotor recovery after stroke by the Brunnstrom motor healing stages. The scale covers the upper extremity in 3 parts: the shoulder-elbow-forearm, the sitting position in the wrist, the hand; and allows the evaluation of reflex activity, synergy patterns and voluntary movements. It is a reliable method for assessing the severity of post-stroke sensorimotor impairment. The maximum total score for the upper extremity in FMRS is 66.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Brunnstrom Staging (Upper Extremity and Hand)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Hand Pain
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Change in Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Havvanur Albayrak principal investigator
Koç University School of Medicine
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesio Taping in people with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Upper Extremity Hemiplegia, run by Koç University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Fugl-Meyer Wrist, Sitting Position Upper Extremity and Hand Scores (time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Dec 2025.