Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of Kinesio taping on upper limb spasticity after stroke. Methods From March to November, 2015, 39 stroke patients were divided into Kinesio taping group (Kinesio taping and rehabilitation, n=13), white taping group (white taping and rehabilitation, n=13) and blank group (rehabilitation, n=13) randomly. They were evaluated with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of upper limbs and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before treatment, four and eight weeks after treatment. Results There was no significant difference among the three groups in the scores of FMA and MBI (P>0.05) four weeks after treatment, but the score of MAS improved more in the Kinesio taping group than in the other two groups (P<0.05). The scores of MAS, FMA and MBI all improved more in the Kinesio taping group than in the other two groups (P<0.05) eight weeks after treatment. Conclusion The application of Kinesio taping can relieve upper limb spasticity, and improve motor function and activities of daily living for patients with stroke.

Key words: stroke, spasticity, upper limbs, Kinesio taping