Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Post-Sternotomy Pain in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Summary

This research study aims to find out whether elastic therapeutic taping can help reduce pain after heart surgery, specifically coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which is done using a surgical cut through the breastbone (sternotomy). This type of surgery often causes pain that makes it hard for patients to breathe deeply, move around, or recover quickly. Managing this pain in a safe and effective way is important for better healing and quality of life.

Elastic therapeutic taping is a method where special stretchy tape is applied to the skin to reduce pain and support the muscles. It is already used for other conditions like back or shoulder pain. In this study, researchers want to see if this taping method can also help people recover better after heart surgery by lowering pain, helping movement, and improving sleep and emotional well-being.

A total of 195 participants who had planned (elective) CABG surgery will be included in the study. People will be placed into one of three groups:

One group will get real elastic tape applied near the surgical area.

One group will get fake (placebo) tape that looks the same but has no medical effect.

One group will get a different kind of supportive treatment in other body areas.

Neither the patients nor the people measuring the results will know which group each person is in. This is called a "double-blind randomized controlled trial," which is the best way to get reliable results.

The researchers will check each participant's pain levels using a visual scale, and will also look at other things like oxygen levels, sleep quality, anxiety, how well they move, and how much pain medicine they use. These checks will happen several times in the first two days after surgery.

The taping is safe and non-invasive. Some people may experience mild skin irritation, but no serious side effects are expected. Participation is voluntary, and people can leave the study at any time. No payments will be made to participants, and all medical services related to the study will be free of charge.

This study is supported by Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University. The results may help offer a new, drug-free option for managing pain after heart surgery and may improve patients' recovery experience.

Conditions

• Postoperative Pain
• Sternotomy
• Pain Management
• Coronary Artery Bypass

Interventions

OTHER

Elastic therapeutic taping

Elastic therapeutic taping is a non-invasive method that uses a specially designed elastic cotton tape applied directly to the skin. In this study, it is used to support pain management after open-heart surgery (CABG via sternotomy). The tape is applied near the surgical site to gently lift the skin, which may help reduce pain, improve circulation, and support healing. The application is done by a trained physiotherapist following a standardized taping protocol. The tape remains on the skin for up to 48 hours.

OTHER

Placebo Elastic Therapeutic Taping

In this group, the same type of elastic tape used in the therapeutic group is applied to the skin near the surgical area, but without any stretch or therapeutic technique. The tape does not provide physical support or intended therapeutic effects. It is used to help researchers understand whether any improvements are due to the taping itself or simply from receiving an intervention. The tape remains in place for up to 48 hours and is applied by trained personnel using a standardized, non-therapeutic method.

OTHER

Therapeutic Taping on Non-Surgical Areas

In this group, elastic therapeutic tape is applied to body areas not directly related to the surgery, such as the shoulder, back, or rib area. The purpose is not to treat pain at the surgical site, but to simulate the experience of receiving a physical intervention. This approach helps researchers understand the potential impact of attention, expectation, or psychological support related to being part of a study. The tape is applied gently without therapeutic intent and stays on for up to 48 hours

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Abant Izzet Baysal University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-22

Primary Completion

2025-12-24

Completion

2025-12-24

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations