Abstract: Objective  To observe the clinical effect of Kinesio taping on hand function in patients with stroke  in early  stage. Methods   Totally 60 patients with early stroke who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups: Kinesio taping group (Kinesio taping + rehabilitation, n=20, 2 cases dropped off), white patch group (white patch + rehabilitation, n=20, 1 case dropped off) and blank group (rehabilitation, n=20, 1 case dropped off). Before the treatment, 3 weeks after treatment and 6 weeks after treatment, the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the degree of hand swelling (hand volume), Fugl Meyer motor function score (FMA) and simple upper extremity function examination (STEF) were used for evaluation. Results  After 3 weeks and 6 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically  significant difference in MAS score among three groups (P>0.05).  FMA score, STEF and hand volume in Kinesio taping group were better than those in other two groups (P<0.05).  MAS score in Kinesio taping group was significantly increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion  Kinesio taping can be applied to improve hand spasms and swelling in patients with early stroke so as to improve the hand function.

Key words: stroke, kinesio, hand function, recovery