Intensive complex physical therapy combined with intermittent pneumatic compression versus Kinesio taping for treating breast cancer‐related lymphedema of the upper limb: A randomised cross‐over clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of complex physical therapy combined with intermittent pneumatic compression (CPT + IPC) versus Kinesio taping (KT) for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Methods: A cross-over clinical trial was conducted in 43 women with lymphedema. All participants received two interventions: CPT + IPC and KT, both lasting 3 weeks and a washout period. The main outcome variable was the relative volume change (RVC). The secondary variables were Satisfaction Questionnaire about Textile Therapeutic Devices used for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, motion range of upper limb and lymphedema-related symptoms.Results: The RVC reduction was greater with CPT + IPC (À2.2%, SD = 4.7) versus KT (À0.9%, SD = 1.7) (P = 0.002). KT was more satisfactory than multilayer bandaging (8.9 points difference, P < 0.001) and improved DASH score more than CPT + IPC (14.3 points difference, P = 0.002). Regarding motion ranges, only shoulder

Efficacy of kinesio taping on upper limb volume reduction in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…Nevertheless, Pajero-Otero et al showed in a recent cross-over trial that KT was more satisfactory than multilayer bandaging, obtaining better DASH scores compared with CPT + IPC. 70 …”

Can selected physiotherapeutic techniques really help in treating back pain and improving the quality of life of advanced cancer patients: a randomised controlled study

“…As is the case with the PNF method, few publications examine the relationship between KT and cancer, and the existing ones focus primarily on oedema in women with breast cancer [31,32]. Only Otero et al [20] in their next work, in addition to the positive impact of KT on, for example, the range of motion and oedema, showed that this method was more effective in reducing pain than other physiotherapeutic methods in women with breast cancer.…”

Therapist versus Machine—Immediate Effects of Manual versus Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage in Patients with Secondary Lymphedema

“…In addition to CDT, other measures such as intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPCT) are available. IPCT is an approved [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ] therapy (especially in inpatient settings [ 20 ]) that, despite its potential as a home and continuous therapy, seems to be less established. There is an unsatisfactory situation in the study of the therapy of chronic lymphedema in general, and in manual lymphatic drainage and intermittent pneumatic compression in particular [ 21 , 22 ].…”