Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on Anastomotic Regions in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of using Kinesio Taping (R) (KT) on anastomotic regions along with complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods and Results: Patients with unilateral BCRL were divided into two groups in this randomized controlled study: Group 1 (CDP, n = 14) and Group 2 (CDP+ KT, n = 18). Assessment of limb size was quantified by using circumferential limb measurements and then calculated for each segment by using the frustum formula. CDP included manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, exercises, and skin care. KT was applied to lymphatic anastomosis. All patients received treatment for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The outcome measure was difference in the reduction of limb volumes between the groups. There was a significant difference in both groups before and after treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding changes in limb volume (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that applying KT to lymphatic anastomotic regions is not effective in reducing limb volume in the management of BCRL.