Effects of Thoracic Kinesio Taping on COPD Patients

Effects of Thoracic Kinesio Taping on Pulmonary Functions, Respiratory Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity in COPD Patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kinseio taping on functional capacity, pulmonary functions, respiratory muscle strength, severity of dyspnea, severity of fatigue in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Assessment of patients was done baseline and 6th week.

Eligible patients for the study randomly allocated to Kinesio Taping Group (KTG), or Control Group (CG). Both groups received three different deep breathing exercises (diaphragmatic, thoracic, and lateral basal), each consisting of three sets of 10 repetitions, with 30 seconds of rest between each set. KTG also received thoracic kinesio taping application.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 40 years and older,
• having stage II-III COPD diagnosis according to GOLD system and BODE Index by chest physician,
• unwilling to participate in any kind of pulmonary rehabilitation program for COPD,
• able to read, write, and understand Turkish; and
• willing and able to attend the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• being in COPD exacerbation period,
• having neurological or musculoskeletal problems that would affect physical mobility,
• having unstable, severe heart disease(s) (heart failure, unstable hypertension, previous angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, heart valve problems),
• having scar, lesion or incision in the area of kinesio tape application,
• previous use of kinesio tape,
• having skin sensitivity against kinesio tape,
• malignancy,
• having mental and cognitive disorders that would affect cooperation.