Effectiveness of the California tri-pull taping method for shoulder subluxation poststroke: A single-subject ABA design

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. I evaluated the effectiveness of the California Tri-Pull Taping method for clients with poststroke inferior shoulder subluxation of the glenohumeral joint. METHOD. Ten participants were followed for 9 wk using an interrupted time series quasi-experimental single-subject ABA design to examine shoulder pain, activities of daily living (ADL) function, active range of motion, tape comfort, and subluxation. RESULTS. The California Tri-Pull Taping method decreased inferior subluxation significantly from baseline to intervention but not at postintervention. Active range of motion was significantly increased in shoulder flexion and abduction between the baseline and intervention and the intervention and postintervention phases. Functional ADL scores were significant. The taping was reported to be comfortable. No significant difference in pain was found. CONCLUSION. This intervention is a promising adjunct to the management of the hemiplegic subluxed shoulder that warrants further research.