KinesioTaping for Thoracic Drain Support

Overview

This study investigates the effectiveness of KinesioTaping applied around mediastinal and thoracic drain sites in reducing postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. Effective pain management is critical for early mobilization, improved patient satisfaction, and prevention of respiratory complications such as atelectasis. KinesioTaping is theorized to support soft tissue healing, improve circulation, and modulate pain through stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors and fascia adjustment. However, evidence on its efficacy in postoperative settings remains limited. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to provide high-quality data on the role of KinesioTaping as a non-pharmacological adjunct for pain management in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Postoperative pain following cardiac surgery is a significant clinical concern that can hinder early mobilization, reduce patient satisfaction, prolong hospital stay, and increase the risk of respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. While pharmacological analgesia remains the mainstay of treatment, non-pharmacological adjuncts are increasingly being explored to enhance pain control and reduce reliance on opioids. KinesioTaping (KT), a method originally developed for musculoskeletal conditions, involves the application of elastic therapeutic tape to the skin with the aim of supporting soft tissue structures, enhancing lymphatic and blood flow, and modulating nociceptive input via stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors. In the context of postoperative care, KT may also help reduce localized edema, support incision sites, and promote a sense of physical stability that contributes to pain relief. Despite its growing popularity in rehabilitation and sports medicine, the use of KinesioTaping in postoperative settings-particularly in cardiothoracic surgery-remains under-investigated. Limited studies have suggested potential benefits in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes, but current evidence is inconclusive and often methodologically limited. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of KinesioTaping when applied around mediastinal and thoracic drain sites in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The primary objective is to assess postoperative pain levels using validated pain scales (e.g., VAS) in patients receiving KT versus those receiving standard care without taping. Secondary outcomes include opioid consumption, time to ambulation, respiratory function (spirometry or incentive spirometry use), incidence of atelectasis, and patient satisfaction scores. By providing high-quality evidence on a low-cost, non-invasive, and easily applicable intervention, this study seeks to clarify the potential role of KinesioTaping as an adjunctive tool in postoperative pain management protocols following cardiac surgery.