Abstract

Background There is no consensus regarding the positive effect of kinesiotaping (KT) on spasticity. All previous studies have measured spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scale which is a subjective clinical assessment. Objective To investigate the effect of inhibitory KT on the spasticity of plantar flexor muscles using both Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) and MAS scale. H-reflex is a neurophysiological technique that objectively evaluates spasticity by reflecting the excitability of motor neurons. Methods Thirty patients were randomly assigned into inhibitory KT (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The inhibitory KT group received KT from insertion to the origin of gastrocsoleus muscle . Spasticity was assessed at baseline and 30 min and 48 h after taping by H-reflex and MAS scale. The control group received no taping and spasticity was assessed at baseline and 30 min and 48 h after the baseline. Result There was a significant time x group effect for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-max/M-max ratio (p = .007), indicating that H-max/M-max ratio decreased significantly after 48 h in the inhibitory KT in comparison with the baseline (P = .001) and 30 min after-intervention (p = .002); meanwhile, it did not change significantly in the control group (P > .05). However, none of the groups showed a statistically significant change in MAS score (P > .05). Conclusions Application of inhibitory KT was found to be able to reduce the H-max/M-max ratio in patients with stroke. As a result, inhibitory KT could have beneficial effects on spasticity.