AIM: The aim of this pilot randomized non-blinded controlled trial is to compare the short-term effect of Kinesio Taping and sham (non-elastic) taping in improving body standing stability in adults with multiple sclerosis (MP). METHODS: 20 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (Kinesio Taping, KT) or control (sham taping, ST) treatment. Participants were assessed immediately before taping application (T0), and after tape removal (T2), with the Berg Balance Score (BBS), a visual analogic scale (VAS) assessing the perceived confidence in walking skills, and the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT). The area of the center of pressure sway and the mean sway in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral axes, measured though the Nintendo Wii balance board, was also performed immediately after taping application (T1). RESULTS: All patients improved their BBS score and decreased VAS scores between T0 and T2, while no significant changes were found for 10MWT. When compare to the control group, KT treatment induced better performances only in terms of BBS. No differences were found for VAS and 10MWT scores. Instrumental assessment showed no significant changes both within and between subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study does not support the therapeutic effects in the body standing stability achieved by the application of KT across the posterior part of the ankle joints in adults with MS. Further trials with larger samples and stronger internal validity should be conducted to confirm our results.

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