Effects of Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping Combined With Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Diaphragm Muscle Thickness in Intensive Care Patients

This prospective, three-arm, randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic Kinesio taping applied in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation on diaphragm muscle thickness and function in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. A total of 48 patients admitted to the ICU due to respiratory distress will be recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: pulmonary rehabilitation combined with diaphragmatic Kinesio taping, pulmonary rehabilitation alone, and a control group receiving routine patient education. The interventions will be administered over a three-day period. Diaphragm muscle thickness during inspiration and expiration, diaphragm excursion, and diaphragm thickening fraction will be assessed using ultrasonography at baseline and after the intervention period. Cough-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression will also be evaluated using validated questionnaires. The study aims to determine whether adding diaphragmatic Kinesio taping to pulmonary rehabilitation provides additional benefits in preserving diaphragm muscle thickness and function in critically ill patients.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Willingness to participate in the study and provision of informed consent. 2. Age over 18 years. 3. Requirement for respiratory support as determined by the intensive care physician. 4. Absence of intellectual disability. 5. Admission to the intensive care unit due to respiratory distress and suitability for pulmonary rehabilitation as determined by the intensive care physician. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Fluctuating level of consciousness. 2. Glasgow Coma Scale score below 15. 3. Heart rate below 50 or above 120 beats per minute. 4. Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg or above 180/90 mmHg. 5. New-onset arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia. 6. Skin lesions or a history of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. 7. Requirement for mechanical ventilation. 8. Use of sedative medications or neuromuscular blocking agents. 9. Pregnancy. 10. Receipt of treatments other than standard intensive care management.