The Effect of Kinesiological Taping and Foot Massage Applied to Postpartum Women After Cesarean Delivery on Pain, Fatigue, and Mood: A Randomized Controlled Trial

J Integr Complement Med. 2026 Jun 29:27683605261463346. doi: 10.1177/27683605261463346. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In women who have had a cesarean section, symptoms such as pain, mood swings, and fatigue can negatively impact the postpartum recovery process and make newborn care more difficult. While practical interventions such as classical foot massage (CFM) and kinesio taping (KT) are clinically promising, evidence in the literature regarding the comparative effectiveness of these methods is limited.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of KT and CFM on pain (primary outcome), fatigue and mood (secondary outcome).

METHODS: This parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital in the Aegean region of Türkiye between December 2024 and April 2025. A total of 105 participants meeting the criteria were randomized into the study (n = 35 in each group); after losses during the follow-up period (KT: 3, CFM: 2, CG: 3), the study was completed and analyzed with 97 participants: KT (n = 32), CFM (n = 33), and CG (n = 32). KT was administered at the 8th hour postoperatively; CFM was administered at 8th and 33rd hours using a standard protocol.

RESULTS: Group differences at the 8th and 33rd hours, representing the pre-intervention period, were similar. At 9th hour, lower pain scores were found in the CFM compared to the KT and CG (Cohen's f = 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [2.90-4.43]; p = 0.009). Similarly, at 34th hour, lower pain scores persisted in the CFM group (Cohen's f = 0.31; 95% CI: [1.77-3.08]; p = 0.014). Regarding subscales, higher "energy" scores were observed in the CFM at 8th hour (Cohen's f = 0.28; 95% CI: [5.08-6.47]; p = 0.026), whereas the KT group showed higher energy at 34th hour (Cohen's f = 0.27; 95% CI:[5.50-6.77]; p = 0.034). In addition, the pleasant mood subscale was significantly higher in favor of CFM at 34th hour (Cohen's f = 0.43; 95% CI: [19.23-23.86]; p = 0.014). No serious side effects were observed during the applications. Mild and transient discomfort was reported in a small number of participants in the CFM group.

CONCLUSION: CFM demonstrated a more pronounced short-term effect in reducing postcesarean pain compared to KT and the CG. Time-varying differences were observed between the CFM and KT groups in terms of energy levels and mood. However, larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the place and effectiveness of these methods in routine clinical use.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06811285.

PMID:42374757 | DOI:10.1177/27683605261463346