Efficacy of Kinesio tape for central facial paralysis: A prospective, randomized sham-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial.
Xue Li, Jiaojiao Wang, Hua Xiao et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective, randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial evaluated Kinesio tape (KT) as an adjunct to routine rehabilitation in 121 adults after a first stroke with central facial paralysis. Participants received tension-applied KT, sham KT without tension, or rehabilitation alone for 4 weeks, with follow-up to 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, tension-applied KT produced greater improvement than sham KT or rehabilitation alone across reported facial-function and disability measures, except functional oral intake; benefits were maintained at follow-up. Food residue level 0 was observed in 67.5% versus 45.0% and 35.0%, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported.
Key findings
- Tension-applied KT improved reported facial-function and disability measures more than sham KT or rehabilitation alone at 4 weeks (effect size: 1.15-2.90, P < .001), except functional oral intake.
- At 4 weeks, food residue condition level 0 occurred in 67.5% with tension-applied KT versus 45.0% with sham KT and 35.0% with rehabilitation alone (P < .05).
- Improvements in the tension-applied KT group were sustained through the 8-week assessment; no serious adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
Central facial paralysis after stroke can affect facial movement and swallowing. This trial suggests that tension-applied KT may add short-term benefit to routine rehabilitation across several assessed outcomes, including oral-phase swallowing. The sham and rehabilitation-only comparisons help distinguish the effect of applied tape tension from rehabilitation alone, while the follow-up offers evidence that gains persisted for the observed period.
What to keep in mind
Follow-up extended only to 8 weeks, limiting conclusions about longer-term outcomes. The trial was single-blinded.