Rehabilitation Interventions After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cardiac surgery is associated with significant postoperative physical and psychological challenges, particularly in older adults. Age-related physiological changes, combined with the effects of major surgery, often result in decreased functional capacity, delayed mobilization, increased pain levels, and heightened fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Early mobilization is a key component of postoperative recovery; however, pain and psychological barriers may limit patients' willingness and ability to participate in rehabilitation processes.

Non-pharmacological interventions that are safe, simple, and easily applicable in clinical settings may play an important role in improving recovery outcomes. Foot massage is a widely used supportive intervention that can enhance circulation, stimulate sensory receptors, promote relaxation, and reduce pain perception. Similarly, kinesio taping is a non-invasive therapeutic approach that may improve proprioception, support joint stability, enhance circulation, and reduce pain through neuromuscular mechanisms.

Despite the potential benefits of these interventions, there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness in older adults following cardiac surgery, particularly in relation to functional performance and kinesiophobia. Moreover, studies investigating the combined relationship between pain, functional mobility, and fear of movement in this population remain scarce.

The present study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of foot massage and kinesio taping on functional performance and kinesiophobia in older adults after cardiac surgery. Participants aged 65 years and older who have undergone cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery) and meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from a tertiary hospital setting.

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a foot massage group or a kinesio taping group. The foot massage group will receive standardized bilateral foot massage using the Swedish massage technique for 20 minutes daily over a 7-day postoperative period. The kinesio taping group will receive kinesio taping applications applied to the foot and ankle region according to standardized procedures, with applications repeated during the same 7-day period.