Kinesio Taping for Labor Pain Control : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Kinesio tape on relief of pain associated with labor.Materials and Methods: We included 100 women (50 in each group). Each participant was subjected to assessment of Visual analogue scale, Present Pain Intensity (PPI) and Cardiotocography (CTG).Results: Our study showed that there was no significant difference between women of both groups regarding VAS pain scores which were documented hourly. .Also there was no significant difference between both groups in PPI except in hour3 in which PPI was significantly lower in Kinesio Taping than in control group (2.8±0.8 and 2. 5±0.9 respectively).The overall need for analgesic was comparable in kinesio and control group (54.0% versus 52.0%, respectively). 58.0% of cases group required uterotonic versus 64.0% in control group without significant difference between both groups. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in Kinesio Taping than control group. The majority in cases group (46.0%) was satisfied, while 34.0%, 16.0% and 4.0%was either Quite satisfied, Neutral or Dissatisfied. On the other hands, the majority of control group (44.0%) was neutral and 42.0%, 8.0%and 6.0% were satisfied, dissatisfied and quite satisfied, respectively.Conclusion: Kinesiology taping was not shown to be effective for labor pain control. The remaining outcomes assessed (i.e., labor duration, uterotonic and anesthetic requirements, type of delivery, pathological CTG rates) showed no differences between the two groups. Maternal satisfaction with the childbirth experience and tape use was more with Kinesio tape group.