The reduction in breast cancer-related lymphoedema with kinesiotaping

Abstract

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is known to be one of the complications associated with the treatment of breast cancer. Kinesiotaping (KT) techniques are recommended in the management of lymphoedema, however, the current literature is ambiguous about its safety and benefits. To identify literature on efficacy of KT in reducing BCRL, adjunct to other conventional methods. The research question was formulated using the PICO framework: (P) females suffering from BCRL, (I) KT, (C) Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), (O) reduction in BCRL. A systematic literature search was conducted through several electronic databases and reference hand-searching, through the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2009) framework by means of the PRISMA 27-item Checklist (2020). Limiters and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to refine

the search outcome. Study designs were restricted to systematic reviews (SRs), meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the English language. The studies included were those investigating the effects of KT on BCRL in female participants versus CDT. Five key studies were selected – one SR and four RCTs. The CASP tool was used as the tool for critical appraisal and evaluation of literature. Outcomes of KT (reduction in lymphoedema) are dependent on the phase when it is applied. In the intensive phase of CDT, three studies found that KT was less effective than bandaging in the

reduction of limb volume and other lymphoedema- related changes. When applied during the maintenance

phase, two studies reported that KT was more effective than compression garments (CGs). The number of SRs and RCTs are low, with small sample sizes and lack of diversity in the interventions used. These, together with the absence of follow-up periods, all hindered the rigour of the presented findings. The findings suggested that KT is more effective when replacing CGs in the maintenance phase of CDT; and less effective when used instead of bandaging in the intensive phase. KT in combination with bandaging then resulted in significant reductions in BCRL but was found to be less effective than bandaging only. A combination of KT with CDT and bandaging then led to the most persistent volume reduction in the follow-up period.