Limited utility of Kinesio Taping® in the physiotherapy treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: Kinesio Taping® has been used as a physiotherapy treatment in musculoskeletal disorders. However, few studies have evaluated its effectiveness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of Kinesio Taping® associated with conventional physiotherapy, on the maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) of patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation.

METHODS: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Sixty-two participants who were randomized into two groups: 1) control (medication and standard physiotherapy treatment); and 2) Kinesio Taping® (standard treatment plus application of Kinesio Taping® on the respiratory muscles). The outcomes were assessed 24 hours after the treatment.

RESULTS: After the intervention, the Kinesio Taping® group showed a statistically significant increase in all outcomes assessed. However, when the mean differences between groups were analyzed, there were no statistically significant differences in MIP, MEP, FEV1, and PEF. Differences were found only in SpO2 that was improved in the Kinesio Taping® group.

CONCLUSIONS: The application of Kinesio Taping® associated with physiotherapy improved SpO2 of non-hypoxemic patients with COPD exacerbation. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the method in the long run and in another outcome.