Efficacy of Kinesio tape for central facial paralysis

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Kinesio tape (KT) for managing central facial paralysis (CFP) in adults. METHODS: In this randomized single-blind clinical trial, 121 patients with a 1st stroke event between June 2023 and September 2024 were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (1:1:1 ratio): stimulated group (SG, KT + routine rehabilitation), sham stimulated group (SSG, KT with no tension applied + routine rehabilitation), and control group (CG, routine rehabilitation without KT). All 3 groups received routine rehabilitation therapy, with SG and SSG receiving additional KT treatment. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. House-Brackmann grading scale score, Sunnybrook facial grading system, Burres-Fisch system, facial disability index, functional oral intake scale, and food residue condition were assessed at baseline (T0), after 4 weeks (T1), and 8 weeks (T2). RESULTS: At T1, all groups showed significant improvements in House-Brackmann grading scale, Sunnybrook facial grading system, Burres-Fisch , facial disability index, and functional oral intake scale scores versus T0 (P < .05). The SG demonstrated superior therapeutic gains across all metrics except FOIS compared to SSG/CG (effect size: 1.15-2.90, P < .001), with benefits sustained through T2 (T1 vs T2 within SG: P > .05). Moreover, SG showed superior oral-phase efficacy (67.5% vs 45.0%/35.0% food residue condition level 0, P < .05). No significant differences emerged between SSG and CG at any timepoint (P > .05). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that tension-applied KT (25%-50% stretch) significantly improves facial symmetry (static/dynamic) and swallowing efficiency in CFP, with sustained benefits ≥4 weeks. Superior to SSG/CG, KT proves a safe adjunct therapy, enhancing motor function and quality of life in CFP rehabilitation.