Smykla, A., Walewicz, K., Trybulski, R., Halski, T., Kucharzewski, M., Kucio, C., . . . Taradaj, J. (2013). Effect of kinesiology taping on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A randomized single-blind controlled pilot study. BioMed Research International, 2013, 767106. 

To assess the efficacy of kinesiology taping (KT) for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema

Participants were randomly assigned to the KT group (K-tapes), quasi-KT group (bandages), or multilayered compression therapy (MCT) group. Subjects from all groups received a routine treatment, including skin care, 45-minute pneumatic compression therapy with a DL1200 device (at a pressure of 90 mmHg, 12 chambers arm overlapping cuff, hold time three seconds with no interval), one hour of manual lymphatic drainage, and the application of multilayered short-stretch bandages (50–60 mmHg).

Each of the groups were treated three times weekly (bandages or K-tapes were applied and changed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) in the four-week intervention period.

Limb volume measurements (both affected and healthy upper limbs) were taken for all three groups before and after therapy.

• N = 65  
• AGE RANGE = 39–81 years
• FEMALES: 100%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema for at least one year; moderate to severe lymphedema (stages 2 and 3 of upper limb edema with the volume difference between the affected and healthy extremities greater than 20%); no chemotherapy or radiation therapy for at least six months; and good compliance and willingness to sign the written consent form 

• SITE: Single site    
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
• LOCATION: Poland

• PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
• APPLICATIONS: Pediatrics

Randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial

• Limb volume was measured by an optoelectronic Perometer 40 T cooperating with a personal computer.

All three groups experienced a reduction in volume, KT (p = 0.002), quasi-KT (p = 0.002), and MCT (p = 0.000001). There were no significant differences in changes in arm volume between the KT group and the quasi-KT group. The edema reduction of MCT was much better than in the taping groups.

This single-blinded, controlled pilot study did show that K-tape is effective in releiving secondary lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

• Small sample (< 100)
• Subject withdrawals ≥ 10%

The study findings indicated that there is not enough evidence for using K-tape to replace bandages. Well-designed studies with larger sample sizes examining the effectiveness of K-tape for patients with breast cancer and arm lymphedema are needed.