Effect of kinesio taping on standing balance in subjects with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study\m{1}.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Kinesio Taping on body stability in subjects with MS. STUDY DESIGN Non controlled intervention study in a Rehabilitation Unit. INTERVENTION A consecutive convenience sample of 15 individuals with multiple sclerosis was assessed. Kinesio Tex Tape was applied directly to the skin of both calves and kept for the next two days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical and stabilometric assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after application of the tape and the day after its removal. To control for learning effect 10 subject with multiple sclerosis were tested repeatedly under the same conditions without tape. RESULTS No statistically or clinically relevant differences were observed among conditions in the mediolateral plane. In the AP plane Friedman's ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between baseline and taping condition with respect to length of sway. A trend towards statistically relevant differences were found also with respect to mean sway and velocity of sway. No learning effect was found for repeated testing within the no treated group. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that the use of ankle taping may be useful in immediately stabilising body posture.