The Effect of Kinesiology Tape Application on Functional Level and Respiratory Function in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Examination of the Effects of Kinesiology Tape Application for Respiratory Muscles on Early Functional Level and Respiratory Function in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Investigation of the effects of respiratory muscles on the early functional system and respiratory function in the kinesiological period in intensive care patients.

Weakness of respiratory muscles delays weaning from the ventilator, prolongs hospital stay and increases treatment costs. Conventional treatments for respiratory muscles reverse these negative effects. Kinesiology taping has effects that support the muscle to which it is applied, increase circulation and improve its function. Studies have shown positive effects of kinesiology taping applied to COPD patients, and in light of this, it has been predicted that its application to intensive care patients will be beneficial. The results of our study will shed light on the rehabilitation of patients in intensive care and contribute to the literature.

In this study, the investigators aimed to increase the activation of respiratory muscles by taking advantage of the benefits of kinesiology taping in addition to conventional treatment.

Our study, which included a total of 48 participants will consist of 4 groups. Only conventional treatment will be applied to the 1st group, diaphragmatic kinesiology taping will be applied to the 2nd group in addition to conventional treatment, kinesiological taping to the accessory respiratory muscles will be applied to the 3rd group and sham taping will be applied to the 4th group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals receiving inpatient treatment in intensive care who volunteer to participate in the research or who are allowed by their first-degree relatives if they are unconscious,
• Being over 18 years of age
• Being eligible to receive physiotherapy and rehabilitation from an intensive care physician
• Are in clinically stable condition

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with coagulation disorders (PT (Prothrombin Time); INR (International Normalized Ratio) value higher than 1.5 and platelet amount less than 50,000 m³)
• Patients with signs of increased intracranial pressure
• Skin wounds, ulcerations, allergic reactions
• Patients in contact isolation due to infection
• In shock
• Having malignancy
• Having multiple organ failure
• Having visual impairment
• Patients who are unconscious