Functional and ultrasonographic evaluation of high intensity laser therapy and Kinesio taping in stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common post-stroke complication that limits functional recovery and rehabilitation participation. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical, functional, and ultrasonographic superiority of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Kinesio Taping (KT) over each other, as well as in comparison to conventional therapy (COT). The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants were allocated into three equal groups (n = 11 each group): Group 1 (Control Group) received COT with sham HILT and sham KT, Group 2 (HILT Group) received COT with active HILT and sham KT, and Group 3 (KT Group) received COT with sham HILT and active KT. COT was performed five days per week for three weeks, HILT was administered in 10 sessions, and KT was applied every other day for three weeks (nine sessions). The primary outcome measure of the study was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score. Secondary outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), passive shoulder range of motion (pROM), ultrasonographic findings, Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). All measures were evaluated at baseline (pre-treatment) and immediately following the intervention period (post-treatment). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and McNemar tests. Groups were sociodemographically comparable (p > 0.05). Post-treatment, all groups exhibited significant improvements in shoulder flexion, extension, external rotation, and BRS, VAS, SPADI, FIM, and HAQ scores (p < 0.05). No significant changes occurred in ultrasonographic findings, shoulder abduction, or internal rotation. Notably, HILT demonstrated superior VAS and SPADI improvements compared to other groups (p < 0.05). HILT provides rapid, clinically significant pain relief and functional recovery in HSP without adverse effects, offering a safe and superior therapeutic option.