The immediate effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with taping on gait parameters in patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the immediate effects of simultaneous application of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and elastic taping (T), and the removal of the elastic tape, on the gait parameters of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients were divided into a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group (PNFG, n=7), a taping group (TG, n=6), and a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with taping group (PNFTG, n=7). Relevant interventions were applied for 30 minutes, the tape was removed, and gait parameters were evaluated. [Results] Only the intervention of the PNFTG yielded significant differences in patient cadence, speed, and stride length. [Conclusion] The simultaneous application of PNF and taping for 30 minutes has carryover effects that can improve stroke patients’ gait ability, even after the removal of the tape.