The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Acute Pain, Breastfeeding behavior and Comfort Level in Women with Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Kinesio taping is used to provide rehabilitation after surgical operations. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of kinesio taping (KT) on acute pain, breastfeeding behavior, and comfort level in women with cesarean section. Subjects and Methods: This was a randomized, single-blinded study. Women (n = 48) were randomly assigned to KT (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups. KT was applied to both breasts and rectus abdominis muscles of those in the intervention group at the 8-hour postpartum. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), LATCH (Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool), PBSES (Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale), and PCS (Postpartum Comfort Scale) were performed on the women in both the intervention and control groups on the 0th, 1st and 2nd postoperative days. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent samples t-test, the Chi-square test, and the Friedman test. Results: Compared to the control group, the pain level was significantly reduced in the KT group (χ2 = 67,225; P = 0.001), breastfeeding self-efficacy increased (F = 221.940; P = 0.001) and the postpartum comfort level (χ2 = 36.432; P = 0.001) improved. Conclusion: In the study, it has been shown that KT has important effects on pain management, breastfeeding success, and increasing comfort level in women with cesarean section compared to the control group and the initial period, and can be used safely.