Effect of Kinesio Taping on Postoperative Pain and Comfort After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping on acute pain, comfort, and patient satisfaction after cesarean section.

Material and Methods: The single-center, participant-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted between December 2024 and May 2025. The intervention group (n=32) received a kinesio taping application on the lumbar and trochanteric regions, specifically designed to avoid direct incision sensitivity. The placebo group (n=32) received sham taping. Pain intensity was the primary outcome; comfort and patient satisfaction were secondary. Data was collected at baseline and at 1, 24, and 48 hours post-intervention.

Results: Before intervention, the intervention group had higher pain scores (p = 0.030). Post-intervention, no significant differences in pain scores were found at 1 hour (p = 0.828) or 24 hours (p = 0.179). However, at 48 hours, the intervention group reported significantly lower pain scores than the placebo group (p = 0.021). Within group analysis showed significant decrease in pain only for the intervention group (p < 0.001). Body Mass Index was significantly higher in the placebo group (p = 0.024). Overall comfort levels did not differ between the groups (p = 0.572), but satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group (p = 0.011).

Conclusion: Distal kinesio taping is an effective and safe non-invasive method for reducing postoperative pain at 48 hours and improving patient satisfaction, offering an alternative to around the surgical site. Despite unchanged comfort scores, improved pain and satisfaction support this technique as a valuable adjunct in nursing care.

Keywords

• Cesarean section
• kinesio tapes
• pain
• postoperative
• patient satisfaction
• patient comfort
• nursing

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by the Toros University Scientific Research Projects Unit.

Project Number

Grant number: 2025-SHMYO-EG-2

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the KTO Karatay University Ethics Committee for Non-Drug and Non-Medical Device Research (Meeting Date: 26.09.2024; Decision No: 2024/050). This was a single-center study, and institutional permission was granted by the management of Private Mersin Forum Yaşam Hospital, where the data collection took place (Date: 25.11.2024; Ref No: 1416).

Thanks

The authors would like to thank all the participants for their time and for allowing us to collect this data. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Toros University Scientific Research Projects Unit.

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