Effect of Kinesiology Taping method on pain reduction after rib broken - Initial report

Abstract

Introduction: Broken ribs are most frequent damages of chest. They cause strong pain, cause difficulties in breathing and changing position of body. Uncomplicated breakdowns are cured by analgesics drugs. One of physical methods for pain decreasing in musculoskeletal dysfunctions is kinesiotaping. The aim of this study was assessment of effectiveness of Kinesiology Taping method after broken rib and their influence on pain reduction and breathing parameters. Material and methods: In this study take part 14 patients with broken one or few ribs from General and Colorectal Surgery Clinic Bielanski Hospital in Warsaw. Breathing parameters were evaluated by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory voluntary in first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Pain was assesed by visual analogue scale (VAS) separately for three situations: deep breathing, provoked coughing and changing body position from supine to seating. Next K-Active Tape® was applied on skin over the broken rib. After 15 minutes breathing parameters and pain level assesment was repeated. Results: There was difference between pain level before and after K-Active Tape® application in three different situations. There was also difference in value of average VAS points in changing body position from supine to seating (p= 0,015), provoked coughing (p= 0,022) and deep breathing (p= 0,023). It means that pain was significantly decreased. Analysis of average value breathing parameters indicate upward trend FVC, FEV1 and PEF after Kinesiology Taping application, but it wasn't statistically significant. Conclusions: Kinesiology Taping is safe, supplementary method for heeling posttraumatic ribs condition. Apply lymphatic and ligament techniques using K-Active Tape® could be effective method of reduction pain after broken ribs. It's necessary to continue research on effectiveness Kinesiology Taping after broken ribs with extend methodology.