Impact of Instructional Guidelines regarding Kinesio Tape on Postpartum Back Pain, Fatigue, and Disability in Women with Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Postpartum back pain, fatigue, and disability are prominent health problems that commonly affect women worldwide. About 30 to 78 percent of women experience back pain, which is considered a prevalent musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy and its relief post-delivery is very slow and often incomplete. Aim: To determine the impact of instructional guidelines regarding Kinesio Tape on postpartum back Pain, fatigue, and disability in women with cesarean section. Design: A quasi-experimental research design (pre-and post-test) was utilized. Subjects: A purposive sample of 100 post-cesarean women. Setting: The study was applied in the outpatient obstetrics and gynecologic department of Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. Tools: Tool (I): Structured Interview Questionnaire, Tool (II): Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Tool (III): Fatigue Assessment Scale, and Tool (IV): Roland-Morris Dysfunction Questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that the mean back pain intensity was less in the study group than in the control group one week post-application and 14 days post-application. Highly statistically significant differences and reductions were detected between fatigue mean scores in the study group and in the control group one week post-application and 14 days post-application at (P= <0.001). In addition, the mean of disability was improved in the study group than the control group one week post application and 14 days post application. Conclusion: The current study concluded that instructional guidelines regarding Kinesio Tape have a positive effect on reducing postpartum back Pain, fatigue, and disability in women with cesarean section. Recommendations: It is suggested that maternity nurses should encourage the use of Kinesio tape for postpartum back pain and fatigue in women with cesarean section.