Efficacy of Kinesio tape for central facial paralysis: A prospective, randomized sham-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Kinesio tape (KT) for managing central facial paralysis (CFP) in adults.

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).