Kinesiologic tape for labor pain control: Randomized controlled trial

Background: Kinesiologic taping has been studied for managing diverse types of dysfunctions and pain, but not for managing pain during labor. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using kinesiologic tape (KT) during labor relative to pain, maternal satisfaction, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Method: The study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial composed of 60 pregnant women divided into two groups. In the kinesiologic tape group (KTG), the tape was applied to the region of spinal nerves T10-L1 and S2-S4; in the control group (CG), the tape was applied to the region of spinal nerves T1-T4. Study participants were low-risk pregnant women with spontaneous onset of labor and no previous Cesarean section. Outcomes evaluated were pain, duration of labor, type of delivery, uterotonic and anesthetic requirement, neonatal vitality, and satisfaction with delivery and tape use. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed, and risk ratios with a 95% CI were estimated. Results: After the first hour of tape use, a significant increase in pain was observed in the CG (p = 0.002). However, there were no differences between groups relative to the remaining outcomes assessed. In the KTG, 59% of participants reported satisfaction with tape use, whereas in the CG, 44% reported satisfaction with tape use. Conclusion: Despite its safety, the KT technique did not prove to effectively control labor pain.