The effect of kinesiological tape on pain and functionality in the rehabilitation process after lumbal disc hernia surgery

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine whether kinesio tape is an effective and safe application in reducing pain and preserving functionality after lumbar disc surgery and to evaluate its effect on the rehabilitation process. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients who had undergone lumbar disc herniation surgery determined by randomization between October 2022 and May 2023 were included in the randomized controlled single-blind experimental type study. Data were collected with an introductory information form, Visual Comparison Scale, Oswetry Disability Scale, and Functional Low Back Pain Scale. Kinesio tape was applied to the kinesio group with tension and in the placebo group without tension, a total of 4 times, starting from the 1st day of post-op surgery. Data collected on pre-op and post-op days 1, 5, 10, 15 and 30 were analyzed with a two-way mixed-pattern analysis of variance. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In a study conducted with similar groups, although there was no statistical difference in the early postoperative period, it was observed that BP provided early relief in the kinesio group (on the 5th and 10th days) compared to the placebo group, and at the same time, the drug use levels were lower than in the placebo group (p>0.05). . It was observed that there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of Oswetry Disability Scale mean scores and time*group interactions, but there was a significant difference between the groups according to time. Although the functionality of the individuals in the kinesio group was higher than the placebo group according to the Functional Low Back Pain Scale starting from the first post-op day, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The groups showed similar wound healing properties. Conclusion: It was concluded that the kinesio tape applied after lumbar disc herniation surgery did not have a statistically significant effect on pain and functionality, there was a difference in clinical significance between the groups according to time and it could be used to support the rehabilitation process in the early postoperative period.