Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Combination with Kinesiotape on Post Mastectomy Lymphedema

Abstract

Background: Lymphedema caused by breast cancer is one of the side effects of therapy. It is defined as arm edema in breast cancer patients caused by surgery or radiation therapy interrupting the flow of the axillary lymphatic system, resulting in fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of the arm, decreased tissue distensibility around the joints, and increased weight of the extremity. Objective: This study was conducted to detect the effect of combination of intermittent pneumatic compression and kinesiotape on post mastectomy lymphedema. Patients and methods: Thirty females diagnosed with post mastectomy lymphedema were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group A (Study group) received intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) with kinesiotape (KT) in addition to complete decongestive therapy (manual lymphatic drainage-compression bandage-medical exercises-skin care) three times per week for 4 weeks. While, Group B (Control group) received only complete decongestive therapy 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Assessment of lymphedema and shoulder range of motion (flexion-abduction-external rotation) were done by tape measurement and goniometer respectively before and after 4 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in lymphedema size and shoulder range of motion (ROM) between groups pre-treatment (p > 0.05). Comparison between groups post treatment revealed a significant decrease in lymphedema size and a significant increase in shoulder ROM of the study group compared with that of the control group (p >0.05). Conclusion:The results suggested that IPC in combination with KT was an effective method in post mastectomy lymphedema more than complete decongestive therapy only.

Comparison of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump as Adjunct to Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy against Decongestive Therapy Alone for Upper Limb Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Finally, 9 studies met the criteria and were included in the analysis (Fig. 1) [9][10][11][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

Effect of Low Level Laser Versus Bee Venom Phonophoresis on Shoulder Dysfunction in Postmastectomy Patients

“…Universal goniometer: The range of motion of the shoulder was measured using a goniometer (flexion-abduction-external rotation). The patient was positioned supine and the thorax was securely fastened to the table throughout measurement to prevent body motion that would tend to compensate for shoulder movement [6].…”

Ingurgitación mamaria desde la fisioterapia a través de agentes físicos y técnicas manuales: una revisión sistemática con meta-análisis

“…Finalmente, el kt o kinesiotape, por su estructura elástica, resistente al agua y al ser permeable al aire, puede permanecer en la piel durante tres días. Se han propuesto teorías de que el kt normaliza el tejido fascial y los tejidos blandos, reduce la tensión, aumenta la circulación sanguínea y linfática y disminuye el dolor (47)(48)(49)(50).…”