PNF and Kinesio Taping to Improve Hand Function After Stroke
Investigation of the Effects of PNF and Kinesiological Taping on Hand Function in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients Based on the ICF Framework
This will test whether PNF exercises, kinesio taping, or both can improve hand function in adults with hemiplegia after stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Istanbul, Bahçeşir and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07014696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with unilateral hemiplegia 6–24 months after stroke will be assigned to PNF, kinesio taping (KB), or combined PNF+KB groups and receive interventions three times per week for eight weeks. Hand function and upper-extremity ability will be measured at baseline and at the end of the 8-week program using Box and Block, Fugl-Meyer upper extremity, ARAT, and nine-hole peg tests. Broader functioning, participation, and environmental factors will be captured using ICF-based measures such as the Stroke Impact Scale, Upper Extremity Motor Activity Diary-28, environmental quality scale, and social adaptation scale. The trial compares the relative advantages of each approach on body structure, activity, and participation domains.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 with unilateral hemiplegia caused by stroke diagnosed by CT/MRI, 6–24 months post-stroke, Brunnstrom stage 4 or higher, able to cooperate with testing, and meeting the cognitive screening threshold are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with bilateral hemiplegia, unstable vital signs, open wounds or other pathological conditions affecting upper-extremity sensation, or those outside the 6–24 month post-stroke window are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could improve hand dexterity, daily arm use, and participation in everyday activities for people with post-stroke hemiplegia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small randomized and nonrandomized trials have reported mixed but encouraging effects of both PNF and kinesio taping on upper-limb function after stroke, though direct head-to-head comparisons are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:Inclusion criteria for the study (Junior et al., 2019; Kim \& Kim, 2015; Saklecha et al., 2023) * Stroke diagnosed by MRI or CT, regardless of ischemic or hemorrhagic origin, * Hemiplegia caused by stroke alone, * At least 6 and at most 24 months have passed since the stroke was diagnosed * Being over 18 years of age, * Volunteering to participate in the study * Scoring 24 or more on the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (if illiterate, scoring 18 or more is sufficient) * Cooperating with evaluation, tests and treatment * Understanding and speaking Turkish * Being at least stage 4 according to Brunnstrom staging Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion Criteria (Junior et al., 2019; Kim \& Kim, 2015; Saklecha et al., 2023) * Individuals with bilateral hemiplegia * Individuals with unstable vital signs * Individuals with any open wound in the upper extremity * Pathological conditions affecting upper extremity sensation (undergoing surgery after fracture, etc.) * Individuals with a BMI value greater than 29.9 kg/m2 * Individuals with a Standardized Mini Mental Test score below 24 points (18 points) * Individuals with major neurological or rheumatological disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system other than stroke (Polyneuropathy, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.) * Presence of upper extremity amputation * Being at less than stage 4 according to Brunnstrom staging
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Bahçeşir and 1 other locations
- İstinye University, Bahçeşehir Liv Hospital — Istanbul, Bahçeşir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi, SUVAM Havza Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Merkezin — Samsun, Havza, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: elif önder
- Email: elifonder2011@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905453776207
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.