Efficacy Of Kinesiotaping Along With Electrical Stimulation On Reducing Shoulder Subluxation After Stroke - An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background:

Post‑stroke shoulder subluxation is a frequent complication that restricts arm function and slows recovery. Conventional physiotherapy provides limited relief, whereas kinesiotaping and electrical stimulation can enhance joint stability and neuromuscular activation. 

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the combined effect of kinesiotaping and electrical stimulation on subluxation distance, pain, and shoulder disability.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was undertaken with 46 individuals diagnosed with post‑stroke shoulder subluxation. Participants were assigned by randomization into two arms: control group receiving conventional physiotherapy and experimental group receiving kinesiotaping combined with electrical stimulation in addition to standard care. Shoulder subluxation was quantified using Finger Breadth Measurement (FB), while pain and functional status were assessed with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, paired t‑tests, and independent t‑tests, with the threshold for significance set at p < 0.05. 

Result:  

At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). Within‑group analysis revealed significant improvements in finger breadth measurements and SPADI scores across both groups (p < 0.001). Follow‑up analyses revealed marked improvements in the experimental group compared to controls (p < 0.001). The experimental group demonstrated a clinically meaningful reduction of approximately 6 mm in subluxation distance and an improvement exceeding 40 points in SPADI. 

Conclusion:

Our findings show that NMES with taping produced greater improvements in pain, disability, and subluxation than conventional physiotherapy. Follow-up assessments confirmed lasting improvements, supporting multimodal rehabilitation strategies.