Rehabilitation Interventions After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults

NCT07548684 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: AS-FOOT-KT-2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Cardiac Surgery; Postoperative Rehabilitation; Kinesiophobia

Keywords

Foot Massage; Kinesio Taping; Cardiac Surgery; Older Adults; Functional Performance; Kinesiophobia; Postoperative Rehabilitation; Early Mobilization

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• 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.

  Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Kinesiophobia

  Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7

• Pain Intensity

  Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7

• Cognitive Function

  Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7

• Delirium Status

  Preoperative baseline and postoperative day 7

Study Arms (2)

Foot Massage Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive bilateral foot massage using the Swedish massage technique for 20 minutes daily over a 7-day postoperative period.

Other: Foot Massage

Kinesio Taping Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive standardized kinesio taping applied to the foot and ankle region twice during a 7-day postoperative period.

Other: Kinesio Taping

Interventions

Foot Massage OTHER

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.

Foot Massage Group

Kinesio Taping OTHER

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.

Kinesio Taping Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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
• Refusal to participate

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Yalova: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Kinesiophobia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Asuman SALTAN

  University of Yalova

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Asuman SALTAN

CONTACT

05554728513; fzt_asuman@yahoo.com.tr

selda mert

CONTACT

0 541 691 56 75; sselda.mertt@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to two parallel groups: a foot massage group and a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive daily bilateral foot massage, while the kinesio taping group will receive standardized kinesio taping applications to the foot and ankle region. Both interventions will be applied over a 7-day postoperative period. Outcome measures will be assessed preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 16, 2026
• First Posted: April 23, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): February 1, 2027
• Last Updated: April 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share