Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Post-Sternotomy Pain in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

This research study aims to find out whether elastic therapeutic taping can help reduce pain after heart surgery, specifically coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which is done using a surgical cut through the breastbone (sternotomy). This type of surgery often causes pain that makes it hard for patients to breathe deeply, move around, or recover quickly. Managing this pain in a safe and effective way is important for better healing and quality of life. Elastic therapeutic taping is a method where special stretchy tape is applied to the skin to reduce pain and support the muscles. It is already used for other conditions like back or shoulder pain. In this study, researchers want to see if this taping method can also help people recover better after heart surgery by lowering pain, helping movement, and improving sleep and emotional well-being. A total of 195 participants who had planned (elective) CABG surgery will be included in the study. People will be placed into one of three groups: One group will get real elastic tape applied near the surgical area. One group will get fake (placebo) tape that looks the same but has no medical effect. One group will get a different kind of supportive treatment in other body areas. Neither the patients nor the people measuring the results will know which group each person is in. This is called a "double-blind randomized controlled trial," which is the best way to get reliable results. The researchers will check each participant's pain levels using a visual scale, and will also look at other things like oxygen levels, sleep quality, anxiety, how well they move, and how much pain medicine they use. These checks will happen several times in the first two days after surgery. The taping is safe and non-invasive. Some people may experience mild skin irritation, but no serious side effects are expected. Participation is voluntary, and people can leave the study at any time. No payments will be made to participants, and all medical services related to the study will be free of charge. This study is supported by Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University. The results may help offer a new, drug-free option for managing pain after heart surgery and may improve patients' recovery experience.

NCT Number	NCT06910215
Lead Sponsor	Abant Izzet Baysal University
Conditions	Postoperative Pain, Sternotomy, Pain Management, Coronary Artery Bypass
Enrollment	195 participants
Start Date	2025-01-22
Primary Completion	2025-12-24 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-12-24 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-12-31