INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping on pain scores in patients with rib fractures following isolated thoracic trauma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized prospective study, patients with isolated thoracic trauma and rib fractures were randomized into kinesiotaping and control groups between January 24, 2024, and October 1, 2024. Patients in the control group received standard analgesic treatment. In the kinesiotaping group, kinesiotaping bands were applied in addition to the standard treatment. Pain scores using the visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded at admission, the 24th hour, the 4th day, and the 7th day, and the results were statistically compared.
RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were evaluated. Eighty-four patients did not meet the inclusion criteria. The 34 patients included in the study were randomized into kinesiotaping and control groups. The two groups were demographically homogeneous. On the 4th day, the mean VAS score was significantly lower in the kinesiotaping group (2.7 ± 1.2) compared to the control group (4.1 ± 1.9) (p = 0.037). No statistically significant difference in VAS scores was observed on the other days.
CONCLUSION: In patients with rib fractures, pain scores decreased more rapidly in those treated with analgesics plus kinesiotaping compared to those treated with analgesics alone.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06222320. Registered on January 15, 2024.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Physician |  |
Physician rater
It would be more significant if a group of patients were treated with ordinary tape.
Physician rater
In this monocentre unblinded RCT of patients with isolated rib fractures, kinesiotape applied within the first 24 hours of trauma and removed after 4 days, combined with standard analgesic treatment, may reduce pain more rapidly than analgesics alone. The study includes eligibility criteria and figures demonstrating proper application technique, which is critical to maximising pain relief and minimising potential side effects. Further studies are recommended with blinding of participants and to investigate the additional costs of treatment.
Prof. Mike Poling (1/15/2025 7:45 AM)
The difference is statistically significant but not clinically significant. Additionally, the scores were different on a single day only. This does not show real practical improvement compared with standard management.
, McMaster University