Kinesio Taping and Strength Recovery of Postnatal Abdominal Muscles after Cesarean Section

Background: Physiotherapists in primary healthcare often encounter Post-cesarean health problems as, it affects abdominal muscles strength. But there are few studies on the contribution of decrease of abdominal muscle strength after cesarean section and very little guidance in the literature for health professionals on the management of abdominal muscle strength recovery after cesarean section. Objective: To assess the effect of Kinesio Taping on the recovery of abdominal muscle strength in postnatal women after cesarean section. Methods: Forty cesarean section women participated in this study after two months of delivery. They were divided into two equal groups; Group(A) performed abdominal exercises and group(B) received Kinesio Taping (KT) in addition to performing abdominal exercises as group (A). The intervention sessions in both groups were twice per week for 8 weeks. The outcome measures were evaluating pre and post treatment via assessing the inter recti distance and abdominal muscle thickness for the right and left rectus abdominal muscles and external oblique muscles by using ultrasonography. Results: The inter recti distance showed highly significant decrease (p < 0.0001) and highly significant increase (p < 0.0001) in rectus abdominis as well as external oblique muscles in both groups (A&B) post treatment. Comparison between both groups post treatment showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) in favor of group(B) in muscle thickness and inter recti distance. Conclusion: Kinesio Taping (KT) helps in recovery of abdominal muscle after cesarean delivery.