The effectiveness of kinesiology taping for shoulder on pain and motor control in patients after stroke

INTERVENTION: For the intervention group, kinesiology tape will be applied to the affected shoulder of the participant as clinically required, depending on their presentation which will be assessed by the senior physiotherapist through observation. They will assess for the following features: inferior subluxation, anterior subluxation, internal rotation posturing and scapula elevation with excessive upper trapezius activity at rest. Each of the first three features if found to be present will be separately addressed with a single piece of kinesiology tape, using a vertical, horizontal or rotational technique to cross the shoulder joint. Upper trapezius activity will be addressed with a single piece of tape in an antero‐posterior direction across the muscle belly. The tape will be worn by the participant continuously and will be changed by the senior physiotherapist every three days unless the participant withdraws from the study, or there are signs of skin irritation. Taping will continue for 14 days or until discharge from the ward. With each new application, the participant’s skin integrity will be assessed to determine the appropriateness of continuing. Patients will be monitored for 24 hours by nursing staff and daily by the senior physiotherapist, and among other things, this will monitor the progress of the intervention. CONDITION: Stroke PRIMARY OUTCOME: Pain, assessed using a visual analog scale, and the Ritchie Articular Index. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Motor recovery, measured using the Chedoke‐McMaster impairment assessment inventory. Range of movement of shoulder abduction, measured in degrees using a goniometer Range of movement of shoulder external rotation, measured in degrees using a goniometer Range of movement of shoulder flexion, measured in degrees using a goniometer INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants will be patients who are newly admitted under neurology with a diagnosis of stroke. The patients will have an upper limb motor impairment as a result of the stroke and on the Chedoke‐ McMaster Stroke Assessment will be at stage five or less of motor recovery. The patient must also be able to consent to participation in the study.