Effect of Taping of Thoracic and Abdominal Muscles on Pelvic Alignment and Forward Reach Distance Among Stroke Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to find the immediate as well as short-term effect on pelvic alignment and forward arm reach distance in sitting among stroke patients following thoracic spine and abdominal muscles taping along with conventional therapy. Methods: Thirty subjects with stroke attending the physiotherapy programme at Department of Physiotherapy at a tertiary care hospital underwent this randomized controlled experimental study. Subjects in the experimental group received taping, along with conventional physiotherapy treatment, for restricting thoracic kyphosis and facilitating abdominal muscles. Subjects in the control group received only conventional physiotherapy treatment. To assess the change in pelvic alignment and forward arm reach distance while sitting, Palpation MeterTM (PALMTM) and sit and reach test were used, respectively. Results: In the experimental group, pelvic obliquity was corrected (4.1 ± 0.94) and anterior pelvic tilt revealed improvement (4.9 ± 2.1, p value < 0.001). In the control group, no improvement in pelvic alignment was recorded. Improvement in forward arm reach distance was similar in both groups ( p value = 0.804). Conclusion: Taping as an adjunctive treatment method to physiotherapy can cause immediate as well as short-term improvement of pelvic alignment in sitting, following stroke. It also, immediately improves the sit and reach distance in the same population.

Effect of Posterior Pelvic Tilt Taping on Pelvic Inclination, Muscle Strength, and Gait Ability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…These studies were also conducted in stroke patients. Mehta et al reported that when taping was attached to the thoracic and abdomen of stroke patients, the pelvic obliquity and anterior pelvic tilt in a sitting position were improved compared to the control group, which resulted in improved balance [20]. In addition, one study reported that posterior pelvic tilt taping significantly improved pelvic anterior tilt, gait speed, and step length in stroke patients, but further studies are needed as the long-term effects have not been confirmed [21].…”

Relationship between sacral‐abdominal wall distance and grip strength in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients

“…Taping approximately 5 cm wide on the rectus abdominis and external oblique abdominal muscles 36 or on the thoracic spine and abdominal muscles to improve posterior PT. 37 These methods can potentially optimize the relationship between muscle length and tension as taping can continuously pull the fascia concentrically and shorten the distance between the origin and insertion of the muscle. 38 In the future, we would like to consider the use of taping as one of the treatment options to improve SAD.…”

Effects of Pelvic Stabilization Training with Lateral and Posterior Tilt Taping on Pelvic Inclination, Muscle Strength, and Gait Function in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…Mehta et al reported that due to attaching tapings to the thoracic spine and abdominal muscles in patients with stroke, anterior pelvic tilt, and pelvic obliquity were significantly improved in a sitting position. They argued that more abdominal muscles were recruited as taping improved the active musculotendinous and neural control components of the spine stabilizing system [ 20 ]. Also, in a study in which taping was attached to the back muscle in children with cerebral palsy, the kyphosis angle and Gross Motor Function Measure Sitting score were significantly improved compared to the control group [ 21 ].…”