Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Dual Task Performance and Balance in Patients with Acute Stroke

Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Dual Task Performance and Balance in Patients with Acute Stroke | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Dual Task Performance and Balance in Patients with Acute Stroke Ayşegül Akgül Kocabal, Zekeriya Alioğlu, Arzu Erden, Ali Faruk Özyaşar, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5973832/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 3 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Introduction: Kinesiological taping is utilized to enhance muscle control and function by targeting the golgi tendon organ and muscle fascia in stroke rehabilitation. Within the broader objectives of stroke rehabilitation, dual tasks hold significant importance in improving attention, balance, and coordination skills. This study aimed to explore the immediate effect of kinesiological taping applied to the lower extremities on dual-task performance and dynamic balance in individuals with acute stroke. Methods: The study involved a sample of thirty volunteer patients who experienced their first stroke within the past month. Participants were required to have upper and lower extremity stage of 5 or above according to the Brunnstrom scale and a score of 24 or higher on the Standardized Mini-Mental Test. The evaluation of bilateral task performance was conducted using the 10-meter walk test, while the dynamic balance was assessed using the sit and stand test. The dual-task and dynamic balance of the participants were compared both pre-and post-kinesiological taping application. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the dual-task performance during the 10-meter walk test before and after the application of kinesiological taping (p = 0,009). Furthermore, a significant improvement in dynamic balance was observed pre-and post-kinesiological taping (p < 0,001). No significant differences were found between genders. Conclusion: The application of kinesiological taping to the lower extremities of individuals with acute stroke demonstrated effectiveness in improving both dual-task performance and dynamic balance. It is concluded that incorporating the use of kinesiological taping techniques into rehabilitation programs may be effective. balance dual-task stroke kinesiological taping Figures Figure 1 Introduction As a vascular-related clinical condition characterized by a sudden onset, lacking any apparent cause other than vascular factors, stroke can lead to complete or localized impairment of cerebral functions and may persist for a duration of 24 hours or more, potentially resulting in fatality ( 1 ). During a stroke, individuals may experience muscle weakness, spasticity, joint contractures, a decrease in sensorimotor control, regression in cognitive functions, and abnormalities in balance and walking ( 2 ). In addition, postural stabilization and attention capacity are significantly reduced compared to healthy individuals. Consequently, the individual’s level of engagement in activities decreases while the degree of disability increases. ( 3 ). While some patients may completely lose their ability to walk, others face various limitations in their activities of daily living due to abnormal muscle synergies in their hemiparetic gait ( 4 ). Among these limitations, dual-task interference, where one activity is accompanied by another in daily life, emerges as a notable challenge. Dual-task interference predominantly manifests in balance and walking difficulties among acute stroke patients. The automaticity of daily walking is lost, requiring increased effort to maintain balance, and the capacity to perform an additional task concurrently diminishes ( 5 ). This interference often arises when engaging in activities such as talking or counting while walking, taking notes during a phone conversation, searching for objects in a bag while multitasking, or eating while writing. Stroke patients experience significant reductions in postural stability and concentration capacity compared to healthy individuals, highlighting the critical importance of dual-task training in acute stroke rehabilitation ( 6 ). Balance impairment represents another crucial aspect of acute stroke. Patients with acute stroke encounter difficulties in maintaining balance due to issues such as impaired postural control, sensory changes on the affected side, discrepancies in muscle strength between extremities, cognitive impairments, body awareness deficits, challenges in concentration, and spatial adaptation ( 7 , 8 ). These balance disorders result in significant social and physical limitations for acute stroke patients. As various factors can contribute to balance problems, including mental health deterioration such as severe depression, inability to perform daily activities, traumatic experiences, and serious comorbidities, identifying the factor’s influencing balance is crucial for setting rehabilitation goals and plays a critical role in treatment strategies ( 9 ). Stroke rehabilitation aims to mitigate the negative impact on gait and balance as well as enhance independence in daily activities in both acute and chronic process. During the acute phase of stroke, individuals often rely on a compensated gait pattern that arises due to muscle weakness in the lower extremities ( 5 , 10 , 11 ). In this context, supporting proprioceptive sensation becomes crucial in acute period. One approach that can be employed in stroke rehabilitation is the application of kinesiological taping, which helps improve proprioception through sensory feedback and supports muscle function. Kinesiological taping is a method developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the early 1970s and has since been utilized in various therapeutic treatments. It is commonly employed in inhibition-based therapies, as it promotes muscle relaxation by providing support to the fascia and affecting deep tissues, thereby facilitating joint movements and functions. Additionally, the stimulation technique used in kinesiological taping can aid in muscle facilitation ( 12 ). Kinesiological taping is reported to be primarily utilized for treating conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, edema, painful ailments, and disorders of the peripheral nervous system; however, its application extends to central nervous system diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida as well ( 13 ). Despite the presence of studies investigating the use of kinesiological tape, there is a scarcity of research focusing on its application and effectiveness in stimulating stroke patients during the acute phase ( 14 ). This study aimed to examine the immediate impact of kinesiological taping on the lower extremity in terms of dual-task performance and dynamic balance among patients with acute stroke. Additionally, it sought to investigate the influence of mental functions on dual-task performance and dynamic balance when kinesiological taping was employed. Methods This descriptive study conducted with a total of 30 patients (15 females, 15 males) diagnosed with stroke were recruited from the Neurology Outpatient. The study was completed between April 2021 and May 2022. The participants were provided with comprehensive information about the study’s objectives and methodology, and their written informed consent was obtained. Their sociodemographic data, including gender, body weight, and height, was recorded. Data collection involved the use of the Dual-Task Assessment and Dynamic Balance Assessment. Each assessment was performed firstly before application of kinesiological taping and immediately after the kinesiological taping. The study included thirty stroke patients who had experienced their first stroke within 0-1 month, exhibited upper and lower extremity stage 5 or above according to the Brunnstrom scale, and achieved a score of 24 or above on the Standardized Mini-Mental Test. Patients with cerebellar lesions, prior lower extremity surgery, fractures, or contractures, visual or hearing impairments, and open wounds at the tape application site were excluded from the study. Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee approval date of September 15, 2021, and reference number 24237859-671. Kinesiological Taping Procedure: For the kinesiological taping procedure, Kinesio Tex Blue Gold Tape was utilized, while a 0.33- milliliter water bottle filled with water served as the supplementary task for dual motor function. The facilitation technique was employed to apply kinesiological taping to the quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles at the same time. Properties of the tape: The kinesiological tapes used in the study possess specific characteristics. They do not stretch in a transverse direction but can extend up to 55-60% in length. They are composed of 100% cotton yarn and maintain their therapeutic effect for 72 hours, while their elasticity lasts for 3-7 days. The side of the tape that adheres to the skin has a sinusoidal, wavy pattern. The most preferred tape width is 5 cm. The color of the tape does not have any significant effect; however, it is believed that lighter colors reflect heat, potentially reducing temperature in the applied area, while darker colors absorb heat, potentially increasing temperature in the applied area. The tape can be kept in place even during showering, as it does not cause any harm. Taping technique: Taping technique involves applying the tape from the origin to the insertion of the muscle to facilitate muscle stimulation. The patient was in supine position. The physiotherapist supported lower extremity from popliteal region in semiflexion position to release m. quadriceps muscle. For tibialis anterior muscle taping the patient was prone position. The physiotherapist supported the foot in plantarflexion position. The physiotherapist stretched the tape in optimum range (Figure 1). Due to the longitudinal elastic nature of the tape, it stimulates the muscle by exerting a pull toward the point of origin upon adherence (12). Data Collection Tools Sociodemographic Data Form Information about age, height, body weight, educational status, occupation, curriculum vitae, family history, history of stroke, affected side, dominant hand, accompanying chronic problems, and assistive devices, if any, were recorded. Dual-Task Assessment 10-Meter Walk Test: During the examination, the patient was instructed to hold a water bottle containing 0.33 milliliters of water, along with additional dimensions of 15 cm in length and 6 cm in width. The bottle was to be held in the dominant hand while walking at a comfortable pace on a level surface measuring 14 meters in length, simulating a stroll in a park. The initial 2 meters and the final 2 meters of the walk were excluded from the recorded data to eliminate the influence of acceleration and deceleration. Only the duration of the middle 10-meter section was measured. The test was performed twice, and the average value was calculated from the results (14). Assessment of Dynamic Balance Sit and Stand Test: The patient was instructed to perform a series of five consecutive sit-to-stand movements as quickly as possible. They were seated on a chair with a height of 43 cm, with their arms crossed at the shoulders and their backs resting against the chair. The stopwatch was initiated upon the command “start” and was stopped after the completion of the fifth sit-down motion. This procedure was repeated twice, and the1 average value was recorded (15). Mini-Mental State Test: The cognitive screening test described is widely utilized and comprises two sections. In the first part, various cognitive domains are assessed, including orientation (worth 10 points), memory (3 points), attention and calculation (5 points), and recall (3 points). The maximum achievable score in this part is 21. The second part evaluates the individual’s ability to follow verbal and written commands, write sentences spontaneously, and copy a complex drawing, with a maximum score of 9 points. Consequently, the overall test score totals 30 points. According to Corrigan (16), scores below 15 indicate a low level of cognitive function; scores ranging from 15 to 26 indicate moderate cognitive function; and scores of 26 and above reflect high cognitive function. The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Güngen et al. (17). Data Analysis The measured data were subjected to statistical analyses using SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Science) v24.0 software. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate the mean (X), standard deviation (SD), and percentage (%). For correlation analyses, Spearman correlation analysis was utilized for data that did not exhibit a normal distribution. The interpretation of R correlation coefficients was as follows: >0.91: excellent; 0.90-0.71: good; 0.70-0.51: moderate, 0.50-0.31: weak; <0,3: poor (22). The Wilcoxon Test (nonparametric) was used to determine differences between repeated measurements. A significance level of p<0.05 was adopted for all statistical evaluations. Sample Size Calculation In this study, the a priori sample size calculation was made in the G*Power 3.1.9.2 program environment. 24 samples were calculated for two groups with a significance level of α= 0.05, a large effect size of d= 0.5, and a power of the study (1-β) of 0.80. RESULTS In our study 30 people were included. In terms of gender distribution, the participants were evenly split, with 50% being female and 50% being male. When considering body mass index classification, 36.7% of participants were categorized as normal, 46.7% as overweight, and 16.7% as obese. Regarding educational background, 46.7%, 10%, 26.7%, and 16.7% were primary school, secondary school, high school, and university graduates, respectively. Among the participants, 86.7% exhibited right-sided dominance, while 13.3% displayed left-sided dominance. Regarding the affected hemispheres, 56.7% were on the right side and 43.3% were on the left side. The mean age of the participants was 53.63±17.220 years. The data for the measurements are given in Table 1. Table 1. Distribution of measured data Characteristics Mean±SD Median (Min-Max) Age (years) 53.63±17.220 54.5(23-89) Body Mass Index 26.69±3.402 26.5(20-33) Time elapsed since stroke (day) 6.47±5.776 4(2-20) Mini-Mental Test score 26.67±2.39 25(25-30) 10-meter walking test without taping (sec.) 13.414±4.517 13.79(6-24) 10-meter walking test with taping (sec.) 12.73±4.65 12.11(6-27) Sit and Stand Test without taping (sec.) 16.21±4.24 16.39(9-26) Sit and Stand Test with taping (sec.) 13.95±3.70 13.66(9-23) SD: Standart Deviation. A significant difference was observed between before and after taping in terms of dual-task performance (p=0.009). In terms of dynamic balance, a significant difference was found between before and after taping (p<0.001) (Table 2). Table 2. Analysis of the effect of taping on dual-task Tests N Mean Rank Sum of Ranks p 10-Meter Walking Test Performance without taping 30 13.19 105.50 0.009 Performance with taping 30 16.34 359.50 Sit and Stand Test Performance without taping 30 6.00 6.00 <0.001 Performance with taping 30 15.83 459.00 *Wilcoxon Test There was a weak and moderately significant negative correlation between the mental level and dual-task performances, both with and without taping (p0.05) (Table 3). Table 3. Analysis of the effect of mental level on dual-task and dynamic balance N r p Performance without taping Mini-Mental Test- 10-Meter Walking Test (sec.) 30 -.507 ** 0.004 Performance with taping Mini-Mental Test- 10 Meter Walking Test (sec.) 30 -.457 ** 0.011 Performance without taping Mini-Mental Test-Sit and Stand Test (sec.) 30 -.400 ** 0.028 Performance with taping Mini-Mental Test-Sit and Stand Test (sec.) 30 -.278 ** 0.137 *Spearman correlation analysis It was found that the time elapsed since the stroke and the affected side had no effect on dual-task performance and balance performance between performances with and without taping (p>0.05). DISCUSSION and CONCLUSION The study findings demonstrated that the application of kinesiological taping to the m. quadriceps femoris, and m. tibialis anterior muscles resulted in improvements in dual-task performance and dynamic balance among stroke patients. Specifically, mental functions were found to be associated with dual-task performance but not with dynamic balance about the use of kinesiological taping. In stroke patients, various factors such as muscle weakness, spasticity, joint contractures, impaired sensorimotor control, and cognitive deficits can lead to abnormalities in gait (4). Hemiparetic gait, commonly observed after a stroke, involves alterations in the functioning of both the affected and unaffected extremities due to abnormal muscle synergies (2). In a study by Polska, theopathic kinesiological taping was applied to prevent drop feet in individuals with acute stroke, and it was found to improve walking performance. In our study, we also found that kinesiological taping had positive effects on walking and dynamic balance functions. We hypothesize that the observed improvements in walking and dynamic balance functions with kinesiological taping may be attributed to its proprioceptive effects (18). However, it is worth noting that the effects of kinesiological taping can vary depending on the specific application technique and muscle targeted. In a different study involving stroke patients, the application of kinesiological taping specifically to the tibialis anterior muscle using a stimulation technique did not show an immediate effect on gait parameters (19). In our study, significant results were observed not only in the tibialis anterior muscle but also in the m. quadriceps femoris muscle in the 10-meter walking test. Our findings indicate the importance of taping the m. quadriceps femoris muscle, which plays a significant role in walking. Further research is required to explore the impact of kinesiological taping on gait functions in stroke patients. Balance and gait are notably impacted in individuals with stroke, particularly in terms of dual-task complexity. The adverse effect on dual-task performance leads to a loss of automaticity in daily walking, requiring increased effort to maintain balance and reducing the ability to perform an additional secondary task (5). This is due to significant decreases in postural stability and focusing levels compared to healthy individuals. Consequently, dual-task exercises play a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation (6). Among the few studies on dual-task performance in stroke patients, Yang et al. investigated the effect of dual-task (with the motor supplementary task) on gait in stroke patients by step distance, step number, and walking speed, like our study. As a result of the study, they observed a decrease in the walking speed of the experimental group compared to the control group (20). However, to the best of our knowledge, no intervention study has been conducted to increase walking speed in stroke patients with dual-task interference. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance in individuals with acute stroke. The study presented novel findings that shed light on the effects of kinesiological taping not only on cognitive processes but also on walking performance during dual-tasking. In a related study, Kim et al. explored the effects of dual-task training on both mental functions and walking performance. They compared a group that received single-task training in addition to conventional treatment with a group that received an additional second task alongside conventional treatment. The findings indicated that individuals with stroke who received second additional task training, applied three times a week for one month, exhibited improved mental competencies and gait abilities compared to those who received single task training (21). In our study, we observed that dual-task training, in conjunction with kinesiological taping, had a positive impact on mental functions, dynamic balance, and walking performance in individuals with stroke. Furthermore, the superior dual-task performance observed in individuals with higher cognitive levels further strengthens these results. Further research encompassing a more comprehensive approach is required to enhance our understanding of the subject. Balance disorders represent another significant mechanism of stroke. Individuals affected by stroke commonly experience balance impairments attributed to factors such as compromised postural control, sensory variability on the affected side, asymmetrical muscle strength, sensory deficits, cognitive impairments, body schema disturbances, diminished concentration, and challenges with spatial adaptation (7, 8). Various studies have investigated the impact of kinesiological taping applied to the lower extremities of stroke patients on balance and functional outcomes. For instance, Young Hyeon Bae et al. explored the effects of kinesiological taping on the m. tibialis anterior, m. extensor digitorum longus, and peroneal muscles in stroke patients. They reported a positive enhancement in both the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores and center of pressure (COP) measurements before and after taping in both the experimental and control groups. These findings indicated that kinesiological taping effectively improved balance capabilities (22). Consistent with the aforementioned study, our research findings support the conclusion that applying kinesiological taping to the m. quadriceps femoris and m. tibialis anterior muscles, which are primarily involved in walking, yielded positive effects on balance. The main identified notable strengths of the study are that it represents the first investigation into the impact of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance and balance in individuals with stroke; it elucidated the effect of mental functions on walking performance and dynamic balance performance, and it revealed that neither the time elapsed since the occurrence of stroke nor the affected side had a significant impact on the measured outcomes when assessing the effect of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance and balance. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. Firstly, the examination of dual-task performance was limited to the acute period, and therefore, the long-term effects of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance remain unexplored. Another limitation is the absence of a control group. In conclusion, the incorporation of kinesiological taping as an adjunct to standard treatment approaches appears to yield beneficial effects on dual-task performance and dynamic balance improvement in individuals with acute stroke. It is recommended that integrating kinesiological taping into stroke rehabilitation programs could provide valuable support to enhance overall rehabilitation outcomes. Declarations Acknowledgements We sincerely thank all the study participants. Funding No funding Availability of data and materials There are no supporting data presented and linked with this study. Supporting data is available from the authors on request. Authors’ contributions AAK participated in the design of the study, performed the statistical analyses, and drafted the manuscript. AFÖ and KE helped in gathering the data and participated in its coordination. AAK, and ZA conceived the study, participated in its design and coordination, and helped in drafting the manuscript. 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The effect of Kinesiology Taping application on the result of 100 meter walking test in patients after cerebrovascular stroke. Fizjoterapia Polsks Fizjoterapia Polska. 2012;12(1):71-75. doi: 10.5604/16420136.990862 The Effect of Kinesiological Taping Applied to the Tibialis Anterior Muscle on Gait Parameter in Stroke Patients. Turkish Journal of Science and Health 2022;3:40–9. Yang YR, Chen YC, Lee CS, Cheng SJ, Wang RY. Dual-task-related gait changes in individuals with stroke. Gait Posture. 2007 Feb;25(2):185-90. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.03.007. Epub 2006 May 2. PMID: 16650766. Kim GY, Han MR, Lee HG. Effect of Dual-task Rehabilitative Training on Cognitive and Motor Function of Stroke Patients. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014 Jan;26(1):1-6. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.1. Epub 2014 Feb 6. PMID: 24567664; PMCID: PMC3927016. Bae YH, Kim HG, Min KS, Lee SM. Effects of Lower-Leg Kinesiology Taping on Balance Ability in Stroke Patients with Foot Drop. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:125629. doi: 10.1155/2015/125629. Epub 2015 Oct 22. PMID: 26579200; PMCID: PMC4633546. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editor assigned by journal 07 Feb, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 07 Feb, 2025 First submitted to journal 06 Feb, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5973832","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":412464905,"identity":"5b1043fb-88cb-4e90-8c06-0fe05cadbfe3","order_by":0,"name":"Ayşegül Akgül Kocabal","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA/UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBAC9gY4k7nxMYRmbsCuFgp4DjDDmIzNxgwMBkAtjMRraZMGa2EgpIX//AGGn211cvIRiW3VBRV/ovnbgVp+VGzDrYXhMANjb9thY8MbiW23Z5wxyJ1xmLGBsefMbZxa7BmbGRh42w4kbpwB1MLbZpDbANTCzNiGWwsPMzMD49+2unqQlmKQlvkEtbAxMzDztjEnyEsktjGDtGwgqIWH2eCwzLnDhht4HjZL85wxzt0I1HIQn194+A8+fPimrE5evj354GeeCrnceecPH3zwowK3FhA4wMgGjJADyCJ41YPBHwYG+QbCykbBKBgFo2CEAgDv+FYA/KkE+AAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Karadeniz Technical University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ayşegül","middleName":"Akgül","lastName":"Kocabal","suffix":""},{"id":412464906,"identity":"f577e887-cc82-4e51-89e0-ca7a27d48cca","order_by":1,"name":"Zekeriya Alioğlu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Karadeniz Technical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zekeriya","middleName":"","lastName":"Alioğlu","suffix":""},{"id":412464907,"identity":"2c16218f-3472-454b-983a-eb28f341f761","order_by":2,"name":"Arzu Erden","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Karadeniz Technical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Arzu","middleName":"","lastName":"Erden","suffix":""},{"id":412464908,"identity":"3e926903-e7c1-4759-aad8-56c89961865d","order_by":3,"name":"Ali Faruk Özyaşar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Karadeniz Technical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ali","middleName":"Faruk","lastName":"Özyaşar","suffix":""},{"id":412464909,"identity":"34d998d4-8617-4742-893f-2359ff054958","order_by":4,"name":"Kübra Erten","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Karadeniz Technical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kübra","middleName":"","lastName":"Erten","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-02-06 13:08:35","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5973832/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5973832/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":75897827,"identity":"9803b18d-fcbf-4a0f-b700-df5881342385","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 10:42:37","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":458699,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003em.quadriceps femoris and m. tbialis anterior taping.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5973832/v1/86c8bdfbd367f0477385fcfe.png"},{"id":75898666,"identity":"fb092da5-b505-4b70-aa7e-8321004d8351","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 10:50:43","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1376184,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5973832/v1/df5f150f-70de-498b-8bf9-b6a1ad2b2047.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Dual Task Performance and Balance in Patients with Acute Stroke","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs a vascular-related clinical condition characterized by a sudden onset, lacking any apparent cause other than vascular factors, stroke can lead to complete or localized impairment of cerebral functions and may persist for a duration of 24 hours or more, potentially resulting in fatality (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). During a stroke, individuals may experience muscle weakness, spasticity, joint contractures, a decrease in sensorimotor control, regression in cognitive functions, and abnormalities in balance and walking (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, postural stabilization and attention capacity are significantly reduced compared to healthy individuals. Consequently, the individual\u0026rsquo;s level of engagement in activities decreases while the degree of disability increases. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). While some patients may completely lose their ability to walk, others face various limitations in their activities of daily living due to abnormal muscle synergies in their hemiparetic gait (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Among these limitations, dual-task interference, where one activity is accompanied by another in daily life, emerges as a notable challenge.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDual-task interference predominantly manifests in balance and walking difficulties among acute stroke patients. The automaticity of daily walking is lost, requiring increased effort to maintain balance, and the capacity to perform an additional task concurrently diminishes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). This interference often arises when engaging in activities such as talking or counting while walking, taking notes during a phone conversation, searching for objects in a bag while multitasking, or eating while writing. Stroke patients experience significant reductions in postural stability and concentration capacity compared to healthy individuals, highlighting the critical importance of dual-task training in acute stroke rehabilitation (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBalance impairment represents another crucial aspect of acute stroke. Patients with acute stroke encounter difficulties in maintaining balance due to issues such as impaired postural control, sensory changes on the affected side, discrepancies in muscle strength between extremities, cognitive impairments, body awareness deficits, challenges in concentration, and spatial adaptation (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). These balance disorders result in significant social and physical limitations for acute stroke patients. As various factors can contribute to balance problems, including mental health deterioration such as severe depression, inability to perform daily activities, traumatic experiences, and serious comorbidities, identifying the factor\u0026rsquo;s influencing balance is crucial for setting rehabilitation goals and plays a critical role in treatment strategies (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStroke rehabilitation aims to mitigate the negative impact on gait and balance as well as enhance independence in daily activities in both acute and chronic process. During the acute phase of stroke, individuals often rely on a compensated gait pattern that arises due to muscle weakness in the lower extremities (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). In this context, supporting proprioceptive sensation becomes crucial in acute period. One approach that can be employed in stroke rehabilitation is the application of kinesiological taping, which helps improve proprioception through sensory feedback and supports muscle function. Kinesiological taping is a method developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the early 1970s and has since been utilized in various therapeutic treatments. It is commonly employed in inhibition-based therapies, as it promotes muscle relaxation by providing support to the fascia and affecting deep tissues, thereby facilitating joint movements and functions. Additionally, the stimulation technique used in kinesiological taping can aid in muscle facilitation (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Kinesiological taping is reported to be primarily utilized for treating conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, edema, painful ailments, and disorders of the peripheral nervous system; however, its application extends to central nervous system diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida as well (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e). Despite the presence of studies investigating the use of kinesiological tape, there is a scarcity of research focusing on its application and effectiveness in stimulating stroke patients during the acute phase (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to examine the immediate impact of kinesiological taping on the lower extremity in terms of dual-task performance and dynamic balance among patients with acute stroke. Additionally, it sought to investigate the influence of mental functions on dual-task performance and dynamic balance when kinesiological taping was employed.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis descriptive study conducted with a total of 30 patients (15 females, 15 males) diagnosed with stroke were recruited from the Neurology Outpatient. The study was completed between April 2021 and May 2022. The participants were provided with comprehensive information about the study\u0026rsquo;s objectives and methodology, and their written informed consent was obtained. Their sociodemographic data, including gender, body weight, and height, was recorded. Data collection involved the use of the Dual-Task Assessment and Dynamic Balance Assessment. Each assessment was performed firstly before application of kinesiological taping and immediately after the kinesiological taping.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study included thirty stroke patients who had experienced their first stroke within 0-1 month, exhibited upper and lower extremity stage 5 or above according to the Brunnstrom scale, and achieved a score of 24 or above on the Standardized Mini-Mental Test. Patients with cerebellar lesions, prior lower extremity surgery, fractures, or contractures, visual or hearing impairments, and open wounds at the tape application site were excluded from the study. Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee approval date of September 15, 2021, and reference number 24237859-671.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKinesiological Taping Procedure:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the kinesiological taping procedure, Kinesio Tex Blue Gold Tape was utilized, while a 0.33- milliliter water bottle filled with water served as the supplementary task for dual motor function. The facilitation technique was employed to apply kinesiological taping to the quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscles at the same time.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProperties of the tape:\u003c/em\u003e The kinesiological tapes used in the study possess specific characteristics. They do not stretch in a transverse direction but can extend up to 55-60% in length. They are composed of 100% cotton yarn and maintain their therapeutic effect for 72 hours, while their elasticity lasts for 3-7 days. The side of the tape that adheres to the skin has a sinusoidal, wavy pattern. The most preferred tape width is 5 cm. The color of the tape does not have any significant effect; however, it is believed that lighter colors reflect heat, potentially reducing temperature in the applied area, while darker colors absorb heat, potentially increasing temperature in the applied area. The tape can be kept in place even during showering, as it does not cause any harm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTaping technique:\u003c/em\u003e Taping technique involves applying the tape from the origin to the insertion of the muscle to facilitate muscle stimulation. The patient was in supine position. The physiotherapist supported lower extremity from popliteal region in semiflexion position to release m. quadriceps muscle. For tibialis anterior muscle taping the patient was prone position. The physiotherapist supported the foot in plantarflexion position. The physiotherapist stretched the tape in optimum range (Figure 1). Due to the longitudinal elastic nature of the tape, it stimulates the muscle by exerting a pull toward the point of origin upon adherence (12).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection Tools\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSociodemographic Data Form\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformation about age, height, body weight, educational status, occupation, curriculum vitae, family history, history of stroke, affected side, dominant hand, accompanying chronic problems, and assistive devices, if any, were recorded.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual-Task Assessment\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e10-Meter Walk Test:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e During the examination, the patient was instructed to hold a water bottle containing 0.33 milliliters of water, along with additional dimensions of 15 cm in length and 6 cm in width. The bottle was to be held in the dominant hand while walking at a comfortable pace on a level surface measuring 14 meters in length, simulating a stroll in a park. The initial 2 meters and the final 2 meters of the walk were excluded from the recorded data to eliminate the influence of acceleration and deceleration. Only the duration of the middle 10-meter section was measured. The test was performed twice, and the average value was calculated from the results (14).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssessment of Dynamic Balance\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSit and Stand Test:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e The patient was instructed to perform a series of five consecutive sit-to-stand movements as quickly as possible. They were seated on a chair with a height of 43 cm, with their arms crossed at the shoulders and their backs resting against the chair. The stopwatch was initiated upon the command \u0026ldquo;start\u0026rdquo; and was stopped after the completion of the fifth sit-down motion. This procedure was repeated twice, and the1 average value was recorded (15).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMini-Mental State Test:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e The cognitive screening test described is widely utilized and comprises two sections. In the first part, various cognitive domains are assessed, including orientation (worth 10 points), memory (3 points), attention and calculation (5 points), and recall (3 points). The maximum achievable score in this part is 21. The second part evaluates the individual\u0026rsquo;s ability to follow verbal and written commands, write sentences spontaneously, and copy a complex drawing, with a maximum score of 9 points. Consequently, the overall test score totals 30 points. According to Corrigan (16), scores below 15 indicate a low level of cognitive function; scores ranging from 15 to 26 indicate moderate cognitive function; and scores of 26 and above reflect high cognitive function. The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by G\u0026uuml;ngen et al. (17).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe measured data were subjected to statistical analyses using SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Science) v24.0 software. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate the mean (X), standard deviation (SD), and percentage (%). For correlation analyses, Spearman correlation analysis was utilized for data that did not exhibit a normal distribution. The interpretation of R correlation coefficients was as follows: \u0026gt;0.91: excellent; 0.90-0.71: good; 0.70-0.51: moderate, 0.50-0.31: weak; \u0026lt;0,3: poor (22). The Wilcoxon Test (nonparametric) was used to determine differences between repeated measurements. A significance level of p\u0026lt;0.05 was adopted for all statistical evaluations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Size Calculation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the a priori sample size calculation was made in the G*Power 3.1.9.2 program environment. 24 samples were calculated for two groups with a significance level of \u0026alpha;= 0.05, a large effect size of d= 0.5, and a power of the study (1-\u0026beta;) of 0.80.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn our study 30 people were included. In terms of gender distribution, the participants were evenly split, with 50% being female and 50% being male. When considering body mass index classification, 36.7% of participants were categorized as normal, 46.7% as overweight, and 16.7% as obese. Regarding educational background, 46.7%, 10%, 26.7%, and 16.7% were primary school, secondary school, high school, and university graduates, respectively. Among the participants, 86.7% exhibited right-sided dominance, while 13.3% displayed left-sided dominance. Regarding the affected hemispheres, 56.7% were on the right side and 43.3% were on the left side.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mean age of the participants was 53.63\u0026plusmn;17.220 years. The data for the measurements are given in Table 1.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eDistribution of measured data\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"624\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharacteristics\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean\u0026plusmn;SD\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedian (Min-Max)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge (years)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.63\u0026plusmn;17.220\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54.5(23-89)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBody Mass Index\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.69\u0026plusmn;3.402\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.5(20-33)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTime elapsed since stroke (day)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.47\u0026plusmn;5.776\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(2-20)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMini-Mental Test score\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.67\u0026plusmn;2.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25(25-30)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10-meter walking test without taping (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.414\u0026plusmn;4.517\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.79(6-24)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10-meter walking test with taping (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.73\u0026plusmn;4.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.11(6-27)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSit and Stand Test\u0026nbsp;without taping (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.21\u0026plusmn;4.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.39(9-26)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 51.2821%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSit and Stand Test\u0026nbsp;with taping (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 24.5192%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.95\u0026plusmn;3.70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 24.1987%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.66(9-23)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSD: Standart Deviation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA significant difference was observed between before and after taping in terms of dual-task performance (p=0.009). In terms of dynamic balance, a significant difference was found between before and after taping (p\u0026lt;0.001) (Table 2). \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAnalysis of the effect of taping on dual-task\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"586\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean Rank\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSum of Ranks\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10-Meter Walking Test\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance without taping\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e105.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.009\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance with taping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e359.50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSit and Stand Test\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance without taping\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 184px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance with taping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e459.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Wilcoxon Test \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was a weak and moderately significant negative correlation between the mental level and dual-task performances, both with and without taping (p\u0026lt;0.05). There was no significant relationship between mental level and both with and without taping and the sit and stand test (p\u0026gt;0.05) (Table 3).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAnalysis of the effect of mental level on dual-task and dynamic balance\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"586\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.5575%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003er\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.7343%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance without taping\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.5575%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.7343%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMini-Mental Test- 10-Meter Walking Test (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.5575%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-.507\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.7343%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance with taping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.5575%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.7343%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMini-Mental Test- 10 Meter Walking Test (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.5575%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-.457\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.7343%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.011\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance without taping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.8447%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 18.9864%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMini-Mental Test-Sit and Stand Test (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.8447%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; -.400\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 18.9864%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.028\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance with taping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.8447%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 18.9864%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43.8309%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMini-Mental Test-Sit and Stand Test (sec.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 15.3581%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 19.8447%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; -.278\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 18.9864%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.137\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Spearman correlation analysis\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was found that the time elapsed since the stroke and the affected side had no effect on dual-task performance and balance performance between performances with and without taping (p\u0026gt;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION and CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study findings demonstrated that the application of kinesiological taping to the m. quadriceps femoris, and m. tibialis anterior muscles resulted in improvements in dual-task performance and dynamic balance among stroke patients. Specifically, mental functions were found to be associated with dual-task performance but not with dynamic balance about the use of kinesiological taping.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn stroke patients, various factors such as muscle weakness, spasticity, joint contractures, impaired sensorimotor control, and cognitive deficits can lead to abnormalities in gait (4). Hemiparetic gait, commonly observed after a stroke, involves alterations in the functioning of both the affected and unaffected extremities due to abnormal muscle synergies (2). In a study by Polska, theopathic kinesiological taping was applied to prevent drop feet in individuals with acute stroke, and it was found to improve walking performance. In our study, we also found that kinesiological taping had positive effects on walking and dynamic balance functions. We hypothesize that the observed improvements in walking and dynamic balance functions with kinesiological taping may be attributed to its proprioceptive effects (18). However, it is worth noting that the effects of kinesiological taping can vary depending on the specific application technique and muscle targeted. In a different study involving stroke patients, the application of kinesiological taping specifically to the tibialis anterior muscle using a stimulation technique did not show an immediate effect on gait parameters (19). In our study, significant results were observed not only in the tibialis anterior muscle but also in the m. quadriceps femoris muscle in the 10-meter walking test. Our findings indicate the importance of taping the m. quadriceps femoris muscle, which plays a significant role in walking. Further research is required to explore the impact of kinesiological taping on gait functions in stroke patients.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalance and gait are notably impacted in individuals with stroke, particularly in terms of dual-task complexity. The adverse effect on dual-task performance leads to a loss of automaticity in daily walking, requiring increased effort to maintain balance and reducing the ability to perform an additional secondary task (5). This is due to significant decreases in postural stability and focusing levels compared to healthy individuals. Consequently, dual-task exercises play a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation (6). Among the few studies on dual-task performance in stroke patients, Yang et al. investigated the effect of dual-task (with the motor supplementary task) on gait in stroke patients by step distance, step number, and walking speed, like our study. As a result of the study, they observed a decrease in the walking speed of the experimental group compared to the control group (20). However, to the best of our knowledge, no intervention study has been conducted to increase walking speed in stroke patients with dual-task interference. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance in individuals with acute stroke. The study presented novel findings that shed light on the effects of kinesiological taping not only on cognitive processes but also on walking performance during dual-tasking. In a related study, Kim et al. explored the effects of dual-task training on both mental functions and walking performance. They compared a group that received single-task training in addition to conventional treatment with a group that received an additional second task alongside conventional treatment. The findings indicated that individuals with stroke who received second additional task training, applied three times a week for one month, exhibited improved mental competencies and gait abilities compared to those who received single task training (21). In our study, we observed that dual-task training, in conjunction with kinesiological taping, had a positive impact on mental functions, dynamic balance, and walking performance in individuals with stroke. Furthermore, the superior dual-task performance observed in individuals with higher cognitive levels further strengthens these results. Further research encompassing a more comprehensive approach is required to enhance our understanding of the subject.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalance disorders represent another significant mechanism of stroke. Individuals affected by stroke commonly experience balance impairments attributed to factors such as compromised postural control, sensory variability on the affected side, asymmetrical muscle strength, sensory deficits, cognitive impairments, body schema disturbances, diminished concentration, and challenges with spatial adaptation (7, 8). Various studies have investigated the impact of kinesiological taping applied to the lower extremities of stroke patients on balance and functional outcomes. For instance, Young Hyeon Bae et al. explored the effects of kinesiological taping on the m. tibialis anterior, m. extensor digitorum longus, and peroneal muscles in stroke patients. They reported a positive enhancement in both the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores and center of pressure (COP) measurements before and after taping in both the experimental and control groups. These findings indicated that kinesiological taping effectively improved balance capabilities (22). Consistent with the aforementioned study, our research findings support the conclusion that applying kinesiological taping to the m. quadriceps femoris and m. tibialis anterior muscles, which are primarily involved in walking, yielded positive effects on balance.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main identified notable strengths of the study are that it represents the first investigation into the impact of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance and balance in individuals with stroke; it elucidated the effect of mental functions on walking performance and dynamic balance performance, and it revealed that neither the time elapsed since the occurrence of stroke nor the affected side had a significant impact on the measured outcomes when assessing the effect of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance and balance. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. Firstly, the examination of dual-task performance was limited to the acute period, and therefore, the long-term effects of kinesiological taping on dual-task performance remain unexplored. Another limitation is the absence of a control group.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, the incorporation of kinesiological taping as an adjunct to standard treatment approaches appears to yield beneficial effects on dual-task performance and dynamic balance improvement in individuals with acute stroke. It is recommended that integrating kinesiological taping into stroke rehabilitation programs could provide valuable support to enhance overall rehabilitation outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sincerely thank all the study participants.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo funding\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no supporting data presented and linked with this study. Supporting data is available from the authors on request.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAAK participated in the design of the study, performed the statistical analyses, and drafted the manuscript. AF\u0026Ouml; and KE helped in gathering the data and participated in its coordination. AAK, and ZA conceived the study, participated in its design and coordination, and helped in drafting the manuscript. All authors gave full approval of the version to be published.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that there are no competing interests.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAhmed Salem Hadi Al-Jubouri, Diaa K. Abd Ali. Effectiveness of Interventional Rehabilitation Program on Swallowing Ability of Patients with Cerebrovascular Accident. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 2020;24:6131-42. doi: 10.37200/V24I1/31717.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAmbrosini E, Peri E, Nava C, Longoni L, Monticone M, Pedrocchi A, et al. 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Standardize mini mental test\u0026rsquo;in T\u0026uuml;rk toplumunda hafif demans tanısında ge\u0026ccedil;erlik ve g\u0026uuml;venilirliği. T\u0026uuml;rk Psikiyatri Dergisi 2002;13:273-81.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSzczegielniak J, Dariusz B, Luniewski J, Boogacz K, Sliwinski Z. The effect of Kinesiology Taping application on the result of 100 meter walking test in patients after cerebrovascular stroke. Fizjoterapia Polsks Fizjoterapia Polska. 2012;12(1):71-75. doi: 10.5604/16420136.990862\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe Effect of Kinesiological Taping Applied to the Tibialis Anterior Muscle on Gait Parameter in Stroke Patients. Turkish Journal of Science and\u0026nbsp;Health 2022;3:40\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYang YR, Chen YC, Lee CS, Cheng SJ, Wang RY. Dual-task-related gait changes in individuals with stroke. Gait Posture. 2007 Feb;25(2):185-90. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.03.007. Epub 2006 May 2. PMID: 16650766.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKim GY, Han MR, Lee HG. Effect of Dual-task Rehabilitative Training on Cognitive and Motor Function of Stroke Patients. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014 Jan;26(1):1-6. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.1. Epub 2014 Feb 6. PMID: 24567664; PMCID: PMC3927016.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBae YH, Kim HG, Min KS, Lee SM. Effects of Lower-Leg Kinesiology Taping on Balance Ability in Stroke Patients with Foot Drop. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:125629. doi: 10.1155/2015/125629. Epub 2015 Oct 22. PMID: 26579200; PMCID: PMC4633546.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-neurology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nurl","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Neurology](http://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/nurl","title":"BMC Neurology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"balance, dual-task, stroke, kinesiological taping","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5973832/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5973832/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction:\u003c/strong\u003e Kinesiological taping is utilized to enhance muscle control and function by targeting the golgi tendon organ and muscle fascia in stroke rehabilitation. Within the broader objectives of stroke rehabilitation, dual tasks hold significant importance in improving attention, balance, and coordination skills. This study aimed to explore the immediate effect of kinesiological taping applied to the lower extremities on dual-task performance and dynamic balance in individuals with acute stroke.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods:\u003c/strong\u003e The study involved a sample of thirty volunteer patients who experienced their first stroke within the past month. Participants were required to have upper and lower extremity stage of 5 or above according to the Brunnstrom scale and a score of 24 or higher on the Standardized Mini-Mental Test. The evaluation of bilateral task performance was conducted using the 10-meter walk test, while the dynamic balance was assessed using the sit and stand test. The dual-task and dynamic balance of the participants were compared both pre-and post-kinesiological taping application.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eA statistically significant difference was observed in the dual-task performance during the 10-meter walk test before and after the application of kinesiological taping (p = 0,009). Furthermore, a significant improvement in dynamic balance was observed pre-and post-kinesiological taping (p \u0026lt; 0,001). No significant differences were found between genders.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c/strong\u003e The application of kinesiological taping to the lower extremities of individuals with acute stroke demonstrated effectiveness in improving both dual-task performance and dynamic balance. It is concluded that incorporating the use of kinesiological taping techniques into rehabilitation programs may be effective.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Dual Task Performance and Balance in Patients with Acute Stroke","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-02-10 10:42:33","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5973832/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-02-07T08:07:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-02-07T08:06:00+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Neurology","date":"2025-02-06T12:57:13+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-neurology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nurl","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Neurology](http://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/nurl","title":"BMC Neurology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"959de78e-9540-41aa-bec0-23f7a3f48fa1","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 10th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-29T19:38:26+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-02-10 10:42:33","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5973832","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5973832","identity":"rs-5973832","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}