Postoperative PainNCT07855809
Kinesio Taping for Pain and Recovery After Cesarean Delivery
A study testing Kinesio Taping in people with Postoperative Pain and Recovery After Cesarean Delivery, run by Ibrahim Ethem Kirez at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study examined whether elastic therapeutic tape, known as kinesio tape, applied to the lower abdomen after cesarean delivery could reduce pain and improve recovery when added to standard postoperative care. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Postoperative Pain, Recovery After Cesarean Delivery
- What is being tested?
- Kinesio Taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 11 May 2026to 14 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 18 to 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18 to 45 years
- History of one or two previous cesarean deliveries
- Undergoing repeat cesarean delivery in the current pregnancy because of previous cesarean delivery
- Singleton pregnancy
- Cesarean delivery performed under spinal anesthesia
- Willingness to participate after receiving information about the study and provision of written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Primary cesarean delivery
- History of three or more previous cesarean deliveries
- Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia
- Placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum, placental abruption, or other obstetric conditions associated with increased surgical risk
- Severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, non-reassuring fetal status, or other maternal or fetal conditions requiring urgent intervention
- Known allergy to kinesiology tape material
Show all 9Show fewer
- Skin lesion, infection, or dermatologic disease at the planned taping site
- Chronic pain syndrome or regular analgesic use
- Communication problems that could interfere with reliable collection of study data
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34147
About this study
Official title: Evaluation of the Effect of Kinesio Taping After Cesarean Delivery on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Recovery
This study examined whether elastic therapeutic tape, known as kinesio tape, applied to the lower abdomen after cesarean delivery could reduce pain and improve recovery when added to standard postoperative care.
The study included 72 women aged 18-45 years who underwent repeat cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at a single hospital in Türkiye. Participants were assigned by chance to three groups of 24 women: kinesio taping, sham taping, or standard care without tape. Sham taping used a simple tape application without the therapeutic technique used in the kinesio taping group. All three groups received the same standard pain medication regimen.
Tape was applied 8 hours after surgery. Pain was assessed before taping at 8 hours and again at 9, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Participants completed a 15-item questionnaire about their recovery at 24 hours. The study also recorded the time to first passage of gas and first bowel movement, as well as skin reactions and difficulty tolerating the tape.
Read the detailed description
This prospective, randomized, controlled study used three parallel groups to evaluate kinesio taping as an adjunct to standard postoperative care after repeat cesarean delivery. The study was conducted at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Participants were allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio using computer-generated block randomization with a block size of six. The kinesio taping group received bilateral fan-shaped strips and a web-shaped strip on the lower abdomen. The sham group received a single straight strip without therapeutic tension or directional application. Both applications were performed 8 hours after surgery, with the surgical incision and dressing protected. The control group received standard postoperative care without taping.
The three-group design allowed comparison of the therapeutic taping technique with both sham taping and standard care alone. Assessments addressed postoperative pain, patient-reported quality of recovery, return of bowel function, and tape tolerability.
The study was completed before its initial submission to ClinicalTrials.gov and is being registered retrospectively.
- Being tested
- Kinesio Taping, Sham Taping
- Keywords
- Kinesio Taping, Cesarean Section, Sham Taping, Quality of Recovery, QoR-15, Bowel Function
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Postoperative
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesio TapingOther
Therapeutic kinesio taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour following cesarean delivery, in addition to standard postoperative care. The application was performed with the participant in the supine position by the same trained investigator. Two 15-cm fan-shaped strips were applied bilaterally to the lower abdomen, with the anchor portions positioned over the inguinal regions and the fan tails directed superiorly. A 20-cm web-shaped strip was applied approximately 2-3 cm above the Pfannenstiel incision. The fan and web strips did not overlap, and the surgical incision and dressing were kept free of tape. The skin was clean and dry before application, the tape corners were rounded, and the tape was applied without tension.
Sham TapingOther
Sham taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour with the participant in the supine position by the same investigator who performed therapeutic taping. The same kinesiology tape material was used. One straight strip, approximately 15 cm long and 5 cm wide, was applied about 3 cm above the Pfannenstiel incision without contacting the dressing. The tape was placed in a neutral orientation without therapeutic tension. No lymphatic fan technique, web-cut taping, therapeutic directional placement, or other kinesio taping principles targeting pain or edema were used. Participants were not informed whether they received therapeutic or sham taping. The tape was to be removed in case of skin reaction, intolerance, or participant request.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Taping | Experimental | Participants received therapeutic kinesio taping in addition to standard postoperative care following cesarean delivery. Kinesio taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour by the same trained investigator according to the predefined therapeutic taping protocol. Receives: Other: Kinesio Taping |
| Sham Taping | Sham comparator | Participants received sham taping in addition to standard postoperative care following cesarean delivery. Sham taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour by the same investigator using a nontherapeutic taping technique. Participants were unaware of whether they received therapeutic kinesio taping or sham taping. Receives: Other: Sham Taping |
| Control | No intervention | Participants received standard postoperative care following cesarean delivery without any taping intervention. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postoperative Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale
Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). The postoperative 8-hour VAS score was recorded before the intervention as the baseline measurement. Post-intervention pain intensity was assessed at postoperative hours 9, 24, and 48. Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity.
Measured: Postoperative hours 8, 9, 24, and 48
Secondary outcomes (3)
Postoperative Quality of Recovery Assessed by QoR-15
Postoperative quality of recovery was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire. The scale consists of 15 items covering physical comfort, emotional state, physical independence, psychological support, and pain. Each item is scored from 0 to 10, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 150. Higher total scores indicate better postoperative recovery.
Measured: Postoperative hour 24
Time to First Flatus
Time to first flatus was recorded as an indicator of postoperative gastrointestinal recovery. The interval was calculated in hours from completion of cesarean delivery to the participant-reported first passage of flatus. Participants were assessed throughout the first 48 hours after surgery.
Measured: From completion of cesarean delivery until the first passage of flatus, assessed up to 48 hours postoperatively.
Time to First Defecation
Time to first defecation was recorded as an indicator of postoperative gastrointestinal recovery. The interval was calculated in hours from completion of cesarean delivery to the participant-reported first defecation. Participants were assessed throughout the first 48 hours after surgery.
Measured: From completion of cesarean delivery until the first defecation, assessed up to 48 hours postoperatively.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Oct 2026
- Study start11 May 2026
- Primary completion14 Sep 2026
- Study completion14 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postoperative PainStudies 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
- Single-center, randomized, controlled trial with three parallel groups. Participants were allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to kinesio taping plus standard postoperative care, sham taping plus standard postoperative care, or standard postoperative care alone. Computer-generated block randomization with a block size of six was used.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibrahim Ethem Kirez
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ibrahim Ethem Kirez, Istanbul Saglik Bilimleri University
- Investigators
- Hilal Saltik Kirez, MD, Principal investigator, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07855809
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026/161
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- 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 2 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluation of the Effect of Kinesio Taping After Cesarean Delivery on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Recovery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07855809
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2026/161
- Keywords
- Kinesio Taping, Cesarean Section, Sham Taping, Quality of Recovery, QoR-15, Bowel Function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibrahim Ethem KirezUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 14 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 14 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Oct 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 study examined whether elastic therapeutic tape, known as kinesio tape, applied to the lower abdomen after cesarean delivery could reduce pain and improve recovery when added to standard postoperative care.
The study included 72 women aged 18-45 years who underwent repeat cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at a single hospital in Türkiye. Participants were assigned by chance to three groups of 24 women: kinesio taping, sham taping, or standard care without tape. Sham taping used a simple tape application without the therapeutic technique used in the kinesio taping group. All three groups received the same standard pain medication regimen.
Tape was applied 8 hours after surgery. Pain was assessed before taping at 8 hours and again at 9, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Participants completed a 15-item questionnaire about their recovery at 24 hours. The study also recorded the time to first passage of gas and first bowel movement, as well as skin reactions and difficulty tolerating the tape.
Detailed description
This prospective, randomized, controlled study used three parallel groups to evaluate kinesio taping as an adjunct to standard postoperative care after repeat cesarean delivery. The study was conducted at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Participants were allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio using computer-generated block randomization with a block size of six. The kinesio taping group received bilateral fan-shaped strips and a web-shaped strip on the lower abdomen. The sham group received a single straight strip without therapeutic tension or directional application. Both applications were performed 8 hours after surgery, with the surgical incision and dressing protected. The control group received standard postoperative care without taping.
The three-group design allowed comparison of the therapeutic taping technique with both sham taping and standard care alone. Assessments addressed postoperative pain, patient-reported quality of recovery, return of bowel function, and tape tolerability.
The study was completed before its initial submission to ClinicalTrials.gov and is being registered retrospectively.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Single-center, randomized, controlled trial with three parallel groups. Participants were allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to kinesio taping plus standard postoperative care, sham taping plus standard postoperative care, or standard postoperative care alone. Computer-generated block randomization with a block size of six was used.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Taping | Experimental | Other: Kinesio TapingParticipants received therapeutic kinesio taping in addition to standard postoperative care following cesarean delivery. Kinesio taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour by the same trained investigator according to the predefined therapeutic taping protocol. |
| Sham Taping | Sham comparator | Other: Sham TapingParticipants received sham taping in addition to standard postoperative care following cesarean delivery. Sham taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour by the same investigator using a nontherapeutic taping technique. Participants were unaware of whether they received therapeutic kinesio taping or sham taping. |
| Control | No intervention | –Participants received standard postoperative care following cesarean delivery without any taping intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18 to 45 years
- History of one or two previous cesarean deliveries
- Undergoing repeat cesarean delivery in the current pregnancy because of previous cesarean delivery
- Singleton pregnancy
- Cesarean delivery performed under spinal anesthesia
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Primary cesarean delivery
- History of three or more previous cesarean deliveries
- Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia
- Placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum, placental abruption, or other obstetric conditions associated with increased surgical risk
- Severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, non-reassuring fetal status, or other maternal or fetal conditions requiring urgent intervention
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio TapingTherapeutic kinesio taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour following cesarean delivery, in addition to standard postoperative care. The application was performed with the participant in the supine position by the same trained investigator. Two 15-cm fan-shaped strips were applied bilaterally to the lower abdomen, with the anchor portions positioned over the inguinal regions and the fan tails directed superiorly. A 20-cm web-shaped strip was applied approximately 2-3 cm above the Pfannenstiel incision. The fan and web strips did not overlap, and the surgical incision and dressing were kept free of tape. The skin was clean and dry before application, the tape corners were rounded, and the tape was applied without tension. | Other | Kinesio Taping |
| Sham TapingSham taping was applied at the 8th postoperative hour with the participant in the supine position by the same investigator who performed therapeutic taping. The same kinesiology tape material was used. One straight strip, approximately 15 cm long and 5 cm wide, was applied about 3 cm above the Pfannenstiel incision without contacting the dressing. The tape was placed in a neutral orientation without therapeutic tension. No lymphatic fan technique, web-cut taping, therapeutic directional placement, or other kinesio taping principles targeting pain or edema were used. Participants were not informed whether they received therapeutic or sham taping. The tape was to be removed in case of skin reaction, intolerance, or participant request. | Other | Sham Taping |
Primary outcome
Postoperative Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale
Time frame: Postoperative hours 8, 9, 24, and 48
Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). The postoperative 8-hour VAS score was recorded before the intervention as the baseline measurement. Post-intervention pain intensity was assessed at postoperative hours 9, 24, and 48. Lower scores indicate lower pain intensity.
3 secondary outcomes
Postoperative Quality of Recovery Assessed by QoR-15
Time frame: Postoperative hour 24
Time to First Flatus
Time frame: From completion of cesarean delivery until the first passage of flatus, assessed up to 48 hours postoperatively.
Time to First Defecation
Time frame: From completion of cesarean delivery until the first defecation, assessed up to 48 hours postoperatively.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Oct 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Hilal Saltik Kirez, MD principal investigator
Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesio Taping in people with Postoperative Pain and Recovery After Cesarean Delivery, run by Ibrahim Ethem Kirez at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 6 inclusion and 9 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postoperative Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale (time frame: Postoperative hours 8, 9, 24, and 48). 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 2 Oct 2026.