BACKGROUND: Post-stroke spasticity is a common complication in patients with stroke and a key contributor to impaired hand function after stroke. AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping on managing spasticity of upper extremity and motor performance in patients with subacute stroke. DESIGN: A randomized controlled pilot study. SETTING: A hospital center. POPULATION: Participants with stroke within six months METHODS: Thirty-one participants were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into Kinesio Taping (KT) group or control group. In KT group, Kinesio Tape was applied as an add-on treatment over the dorsal side of the affected hand during the intervention. Both groups received regular rehabilitation 5 days a week for 3 weeks, The primary outcome was muscle spasticity measured by modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were functional performances of affected limb measured by using Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), Brunnstrom stage, and the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF). Measures were taken before intervention, right after intervention (the third week) and two weeks later (the fifth week). RESULTS: Within-group comparisons yielded significant differences in FMA-UE and Brunnstrom stages at the third and fifth week in the control group (p = 0.003 to 0.019). In the KT group, significant differences were noted in FMA-UE, Brunnstrom stage, and MAS at the third and fifth week (p = 0.001 to 0.035), and in the proximal part of FMA-UE between the third and fifth week (p = 0.005). Between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in the distal part of FMA-UE at the fifth week (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio Taping could provide some benefits in reducing spasticity and in improving motor performance on the affected hand in patients with subacute stroke.

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