Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain at Thoracic Tube Sites After CABG: A Randomized Study
Abstract
Background: Pain from chest tubes significantly contributes to postoperative discomfort and opioid use after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Nonpharmacological interventions at drain sites may aid recovery and reduce opioid exposure.
Methods: This randomized controlled study involved 100 adult patients undergoing elective CABG, randomized 1:1 to receive kinesio taping (n = 50) or serve as controls (n = 50). Kinesio tape was applied around mediastinal and thoracic drain sites before extubation, avoiding the incision. Both groups received standard analgesia with paracetamol and tramadol as rescue analgesia. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) immediately after extubation and at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively. Opioid requirements, ICU stay, hospital stay, and complications were documented.
Results: VAS scores at extubation were similar (4.00 ± 1.25 vs. 3.86 ± 0.90; p = 0.678). Kinesio taping patients had significantly lower VAS scores at 24 hours (3.76 ± 1.36 vs. 5.52 ± 1.20; p p p p = 0.001), while hospital stay and infection rates were similar.
Conclusion: Kinesio taping around drain sites post-CABG reduces pain, opioid needs, and ICU stay. This safe approach may enhance early postoperative pain management after cardiac surgery.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 100 participants or records.
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