Effectiveness of shoulder kinesio taping and conventional exercises on Fugl-Meyer assessment scale and Rivermead mobility scale in sub-acute hemiplegic subjects with shoulder subluxation: A single group pre-post design

Background. Most hemiplegic patients develop subluxation in the acute stage of stroke. Despite various prevention strategies, over 80% of stroke survivors experience shoulder subluxation, affecting gait, balance, and mobility. This study evaluated the impact of shoulder kinesio taping and conventional exercises on upper limb function and mobility in sub-acute hemiplegic patients with shoulder subluxation. Methods. Thirty-three stroke patients (post-stroke duration: 45.42 ± 2.90 days) participated. Kinesio tape was applied twice a week, while conventional exercises were performed five days a week, over eight weeks. The Fugl-Meyer assessment and Rivermead mobility scale were used to measure outcomes. Results. The intervention significantly improved upper limb function and mobility, with notable changes in Fugl-Meyer and Rivermead scores (p < 0.00001). Conclusion. Combining kinesio taping and conventional exercises improved upper limb function and mobility in sub-acute hemiplegic patients with shoulder subluxation.