Physiother Res Int. 2026 Jul;31(3):e70243. doi: 10.1002/pri.70243.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the effects of increasing handgrip strength by applying Kinesio taping to the wrist extensors on the functional level in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery who ambulate with a walker.
METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from 100 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent lower extremity surgery and ambulated with a walker. The patients were divided into two groups: a control group (CG) that was kept under the standard rehabilitation program and a Kinesio taping group (KT) in which Kinesio taping was applied to the forearm extensor muscles in addition to the group being under standard rehabilitation program. The patients’ handgrip strength (HGS), pain, and functional levels (Functional Independence Measurements (FIM), Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS), and Iowa Walking Speed Scale (IWSS)) were retrospectively assessed before treatment and at discharge.
RESULTS: Compared to the CG group, the right and left HGS, functional levels, and IWSS of the patients increased significantly in the KT group, and their activity-related pain levels decreased significantly (p < 0.005). A significant positive correlation was observed between the change in HGS and the change in ILAS and FIM scores, and a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the change in HGS and the change in activity-related pain and IWSS (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that Kinesio taping application is a simple and cost-effective method that increases HGS in patients and is an effective method in controlling pain, improving walking speed, and enhancing functionality in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06072261.
PMID:42179169 | DOI:10.1002/pri.70243
