Cardiac SurgeryNCT07548684
Rehabilitation Interventions After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults
A study testing Foot Massage and Kinesio Taping in people with Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Rehabilitation, run by University of Yalova.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults following cardiac surgery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Cardiac Surgery, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Kinesiophobia
- What is being tested?
- Foot Massage and Kinesio Taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 May 2026to 1 Feb 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥65 years
- Undergoing cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery)
- Conscious and able to cooperate
- Able to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease)
- Lower extremity amputation or severe deformity
- Impaired skin integrity in the application area
- Contraindications to massage or kinesio taping
- Refusal to participate
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Rehabilitation Interventions After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults following cardiac surgery. Early mobilization after cardiac surgery is essential for improving recovery outcomes; however, pain, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and reduced functional capacity may delay rehabilitation in older patients.
Participants aged 65 years and older who have undergone cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned to either a foot massage group or a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive daily bilateral foot massage for seven consecutive days, while the kinesio taping group will receive standardized kinesio taping applications to the foot and ankle region during the same period.
Read more
Functional performance, kinesiophobia, pain intensity, cognitive status, and delirium will be assessed using validated outcome measures, including the Timed Up and Go test, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Visual Analog Scale, Standardized Mini-Mental Test, and Nursing Delirium Screening Scale. Assessments will be conducted preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.
The study aims to determine whether non-pharmacological, easily applicable interventions such as foot massage and kinesio taping can enhance functional recovery, reduce fear of movement, and support early mobilization in older adults after cardiac surgery.
Read the detailed description
Cardiac surgery is associated with significant postoperative physical and psychological challenges, particularly in older adults. Age-related physiological changes, combined with the effects of major surgery, often result in decreased functional capacity, delayed mobilization, increased pain levels, and heightened fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Early mobilization is a key component of postoperative recovery; however, pain and psychological barriers may limit patients' willingness and ability to participate in rehabilitation processes.
Non-pharmacological interventions that are safe, simple, and easily applicable in clinical settings may play an important role in improving recovery outcomes. Foot massage is a widely used supportive intervention that can enhance circulation, stimulate sensory receptors, promote relaxation, and reduce pain perception. Similarly, kinesio taping is a non-invasive therapeutic approach that may improve proprioception, support joint stability, enhance circulation, and reduce pain through neuromuscular mechanisms.
Despite the potential benefits of these interventions, there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness in older adults following cardiac surgery, particularly in relation to functional performance and kinesiophobia. Moreover, studies investigating the combined relationship between pain, functional mobility, and fear of movement in this population remain scarce.
The present study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults after cardiac surgery. Participants aged 65 years and older who have undergone cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery) and meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from a tertiary hospital setting.
Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a foot massage group or a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive standardized bilateral foot massage using the Swedish massage technique for 20 minutes daily over a 7-day postoperative period. The kinesio taping group will receive kinesio taping applications applied to the foot and ankle region according to standardized procedures, with applications repeated during the same 7-day period.
Outcome measures will include functional performance assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, kinesiophobia assessed by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cognitive status assessed by the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT), and delirium status assessed by the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). Assessments will be conducted preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.
The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance. Secondary objectives include evaluating their effects on kinesiophobia, pain, cognitive status, and delirium. It is hypothesized that both interventions will improve functional outcomes, with kinesio taping having a greater effect on reducing kinesiophobia and foot massage having a stronger effect on pain reduction.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of effective, low-cost, and easily implementable rehabilitation strategies that support early mobilization and improve postoperative recovery in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery.
- Conditions
- Cardiac Surgery, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Kinesiophobia
- Being tested
- Foot Massage, Kinesio Taping
- Keywords
- Foot Massage, Kinesio Taping, Cardiac Surgery, Older Adults, Functional Performance, Kinesiophobia, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Early Mobilization
- Medical subject headings
- Kinesiophobia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Foot MassageOther
A standardized Swedish massage technique will be applied to the plantar surface of both feet. The intervention will include stroking and kneading techniques applied from the metatarsal heads to the heel and toes. Each session will last 20 minutes (10 minutes per foot) and will be performed daily for 7 consecutive days by a trained healthcare professional.
Kinesio TapingOther
Kinesio tape (5 cm width) will be applied to the foot and ankle region using standardized techniques. One strip will be applied around the ankle, and two strips will be applied to support the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of the foot. The tape will be applied with 25-75% tension and will be administered by a certified physiotherapist. Applications will be performed twice during a 7-day postoperative period and monitored regularly.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Massage Group | Experimental | Participants will receive bilateral foot massage using the Swedish massage technique for 20 minutes daily over a 7-day postoperative period. Receives: Other: Foot Massage |
| Kinesio Taping Group | Experimental | Participants will receive standardized kinesio taping applied to the foot and ankle region twice during a 7-day postoperative period. Receives: Other: Kinesio Taping |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The time (in seconds) required for the participant to stand up from a seated position, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down will be recorded. Lower scores indicate better functional performance.
Measured: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Secondary outcomes (4)
Kinesiophobia
Kinesiophobia will be assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). The scale consists of 17 items scored between 17 and 68, with higher scores indicating greater fear of movement.
Measured: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Cognitive Function
Cognitive status will be assessed using the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT), which evaluates orientation, memory, attention, and language functions. Scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.
Measured: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Delirium Status
Delirium will be assessed using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC), a 5-item observational tool with scores ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate increased likelihood of delirium.
Measured: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Apr 2026
- Study start1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Feb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cardiac SurgeryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to two parallel groups: a foot massage group and a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive daily bilateral foot massage, while the kinesio taping group will receive standardized kinesio taping applications to the foot and ankle region. Both interventions will be applied over a 7-day postoperative period. Outcome measures will be assessed preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Yalova
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, asuman saltan, University of Yalova
- Investigators
- Asuman SALTAN, Study director, University of Yalova
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07548684
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AS-FOOT-KT-2026
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Rehabilitation Interventions After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07548684
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AS-FOOT-KT-2026
- Conditions
- Cardiac Surgery, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Kinesiophobia
- Keywords
- Foot Massage, Kinesio Taping, Cardiac Surgery, Older Adults, Functional Performance, Kinesiophobia, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Early Mobilization
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of YalovaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults following cardiac surgery. Early mobilization after cardiac surgery is essential for improving recovery outcomes; however, pain, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and reduced functional capacity may delay rehabilitation in older patients.
Participants aged 65 years and older who have undergone cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned to either a foot massage group or a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive daily bilateral foot massage for seven consecutive days, while the kinesio taping group will receive standardized kinesio taping applications to the foot and ankle region during the same period.
Functional performance, kinesiophobia, pain intensity, cognitive status, and delirium will be assessed using validated outcome measures, including the Timed Up and Go test, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Visual Analog Scale, Standardized Mini-Mental Test, and Nursing Delirium Screening Scale. Assessments will be conducted preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.
The study aims to determine whether non-pharmacological, easily applicable interventions such as foot massage and kinesio taping can enhance functional recovery, reduce fear of movement, and support early mobilization in older adults after cardiac surgery.
Detailed description
Cardiac surgery is associated with significant postoperative physical and psychological challenges, particularly in older adults. Age-related physiological changes, combined with the effects of major surgery, often result in decreased functional capacity, delayed mobilization, increased pain levels, and heightened fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Early mobilization is a key component of postoperative recovery; however, pain and psychological barriers may limit patients' willingness and ability to participate in rehabilitation processes.
Non-pharmacological interventions that are safe, simple, and easily applicable in clinical settings may play an important role in improving recovery outcomes. Foot massage is a widely used supportive intervention that can enhance circulation, stimulate sensory receptors, promote relaxation, and reduce pain perception. Similarly, kinesio taping is a non-invasive therapeutic approach that may improve proprioception, support joint stability, enhance circulation, and reduce pain through neuromuscular mechanisms.
Despite the potential benefits of these interventions, there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness in older adults following cardiac surgery, particularly in relation to functional performance and kinesiophobia. Moreover, studies investigating the combined relationship between pain, functional mobility, and fear of movement in this population remain scarce.
The present study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults after cardiac surgery. Participants aged 65 years and older who have undergone cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery) and meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from a tertiary hospital setting.
Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a foot massage group or a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive standardized bilateral foot massage using the Swedish massage technique for 20 minutes daily over a 7-day postoperative period. The kinesio taping group will receive kinesio taping applications applied to the foot and ankle region according to standardized procedures, with applications repeated during the same 7-day period.
Outcome measures will include functional performance assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, kinesiophobia assessed by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cognitive status assessed by the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT), and delirium status assessed by the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). Assessments will be conducted preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.
The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance. Secondary objectives include evaluating their effects on kinesiophobia, pain, cognitive status, and delirium. It is hypothesized that both interventions will improve functional outcomes, with kinesio taping having a greater effect on reducing kinesiophobia and foot massage having a stronger effect on pain reduction.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of effective, low-cost, and easily implementable rehabilitation strategies that support early mobilization and improve postoperative recovery in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to two parallel groups: a foot massage group and a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive daily bilateral foot massage, while the kinesio taping group will receive standardized kinesio taping applications to the foot and ankle region. Both interventions will be applied over a 7-day postoperative period. Outcome measures will be assessed preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Massage Group | Experimental | Other: Foot MassageParticipants will receive bilateral foot massage using the Swedish massage technique for 20 minutes daily over a 7-day postoperative period. |
| Kinesio Taping Group | Experimental | Other: Kinesio TapingParticipants will receive standardized kinesio taping applied to the foot and ankle region twice during a 7-day postoperative period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age ≥65 years
- Undergoing cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery)
- Conscious and able to cooperate
- Able to provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease)
- Lower extremity amputation or severe deformity
- Impaired skin integrity in the application area
- Contraindications to massage or kinesio taping
- Refusal to participate
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Foot MassageA standardized Swedish massage technique will be applied to the plantar surface of both feet. The intervention will include stroking and kneading techniques applied from the metatarsal heads to the heel and toes. Each session will last 20 minutes (10 minutes per foot) and will be performed daily for 7 consecutive days by a trained healthcare professional. | Other | Foot Massage Group |
| Kinesio TapingKinesio tape (5 cm width) will be applied to the foot and ankle region using standardized techniques. One strip will be applied around the ankle, and two strips will be applied to support the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of the foot. The tape will be applied with 25-75% tension and will be administered by a certified physiotherapist. Applications will be performed twice during a 7-day postoperative period and monitored regularly. | Other | Kinesio Taping Group |
Primary outcome
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Time frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The time (in seconds) required for the participant to stand up from a seated position, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down will be recorded. Lower scores indicate better functional performance.
4 secondary outcomes
Kinesiophobia
Time frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Cognitive Function
Time frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Delirium Status
Time frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Asuman SALTAN study director
University of Yalova
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Foot Massage and Kinesio Taping in people with Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Rehabilitation, run by University of Yalova.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Asuman SALTAN (05554728513, fzt_asuman@yahoo.com.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test (time frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Apr 2026.