Efficacy of Kinesio Taping Versus Compression Therapy on Breast Lymphedema Induced by Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Routine Care: Health education including explanation of breast lymphedema mechanisms and complications; breast and skin care instructions (cleaning with warm water and mild cleanser, avoiding irritants, wearing loose clothing, avoiding sun exposure for 6 months after radiotherapy); lifestyle guidance (high-protein, high-vitamin, low-fat diet, adequate sleep, proper positioning to promote lymphatic drainage); and rehabilitation exercises (range of motion exercises for the affected upper extremity, performed 1-2 times daily, 10-20 minutes per session, over a 6-week period).

Kinesio Taping: Elastic therapeutic tape (KT TAPE, 25 cm × 5 cm pre-cut) applied to the affected breast. Prior to application, a 2 cm × 2 cm test tape is applied to the forearm for 24 hours to rule out allergy. The tape is cut into a fan shape with 4 tails, anchored below the clavicle, and applied diagonally around the breast area with no tension on the tails, covering the edematous area without overlapping. Each application is retained for 3 days, followed by 1 day of rest, repeated over a 6-week period. Participants are instructed on proper removal techniques (skin-pressing and rolling methods) to avoid skin damage.

Compression Therapy: Adjustable compression vest made of medical-grade material with a modal inner layer, featuring adjustable Velcro straps on the affected side. Pressure is calibrated using a German precision pressure measurement device, with the sensor placed on the lower outer quadrant of the affected breast to maintain pressure at 18-21 mmHg. The vest is worn for 15-18 hours per day (daytime only, not at night) for 6 weeks. Participants are instructed to discontinue use immediately if they experience dyspnea or chest tightness.

Study summary

Breast cancer patients often develop breast lymphedema after breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy, causing swelling, pain, and heaviness that affect quality of life. This study compares two physical therapy approaches-Kinesio Taping and compression therapy-for relieving breast lymphedema. Kinesio Taping is an elastic medical tape applied to the breast skin to promote lymphatic drainage; compression therapy uses an adjustable pressure vest to reduce swelling through external pressure. The study will enroll 99 eligible postoperative breast cancer patients, randomly assigned to three groups: one receiving routine care, one receiving routine care plus Kinesio Taping, and one receiving routine care plus compression therapy, with a 6-week intervention period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at 3 and 6 months post-intervention to compare changes in swelling, pain, and quality of life among the three groups. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tangshan People's Hospital (LLKS), and all participants voluntarily participate with signed informed consent.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Lymphedema-Related Symptoms (VAS) — Baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention at 6 weeks (T1), 3 months post-intervention (T2), and 6 months post-intervention (T3)
  Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessing patient-reported severity of breast pain, swelling, heaviness, and tightness. Each symptom is scored from 0 (no symptom) to 10 (extremely severe).

Trial sites (1)

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