Rehabilitation Interventions After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults

ConditionsCardiac Surgery Postoperative Rehabilitation Kinesiophobia

Trial statusNot yet recruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexAll

Age65+

SponsorUniversity of Yalova

About this trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults following cardiac surgery. Early mobilization after cardiac surgery is essential for improving recovery outcomes; however, pain, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and reduced functional capacity may delay rehabilitation in older patients.

Participants aged 65 years and older who have undergone cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned to either a foot massage group or a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive daily bilateral foot massage for seven consecutive days, while the kinesio taping group will receive standardized kinesio taping applications to the foot and ankle region during the same period.

Functional performance, kinesiophobia, pain intensity, cognitive status, and delirium will be assessed using validated outcome measures, including the Timed Up and Go test, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Visual Analog Scale, Standardized Mini-Mental Test, and Nursing Delirium Screening Scale. Assessments will be conducted preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.

The study aims to determine whether non-pharmacological, easily applicable interventions such as foot massage and kinesio taping can enhance functional recovery, reduce fear of movement, and support early mobilization in older adults after cardiac surgery.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age ≥65 years

Undergoing cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery)

Conscious and able to cooperate

Able to provide informed consent

Disqualifiers

Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease)

Lower extremity amputation or severe deformity

Impaired skin integrity in the application area

Contraindications to massage or kinesio taping

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

Foot Massage
Other intervention
A standardized Swedish massage technique will be applied to the plantar surface of both feet. The intervention will include stroking and kneading techniques applied from the metatarsal heads to the heel and toes. Each session will last 20 minutes (10 minutes per foot) and will be performed daily for 7 consecutive days by a trained healthcare professional.
Kinesio Taping
Other intervention
Kinesio tape (5 cm width) will be applied to the foot and ankle region using standardized techniques. One strip will be applied around the ankle, and two strips will be applied to support the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of the foot. The tape will be applied with 25-75% tension and will be administered by a certified physiotherapist. Applications will be performed twice during a 7-day postoperative period and monitored regularly.

Treatment groups

60 Participants

are divided into 2 treatment groups

Group A: Foot Massage GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Kinesio Taping GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The time (in seconds) required for the participant to stand up from a seated position, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down will be recorded. Lower scores indicate better functional performance.

Time frame