Effects of Kinesio Taping on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A meta-analysis in clinical trials

Karina Tamy Kasawara, Jéssica Monique Rossetti Mapa, Vilma Ferreira, Marco Aurélio Nemitalla Added, Silvia Regina Shiwa, Nelson Carvas Jr & Patricia Andrade Batista. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice An International Journal of Physical Therapy 2018

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Effects of Kinesio Taping on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A meta-analysis in clinical trials

Karina Tamy Kasawara, Jéssica Monique Rossetti Mapa, Vilma Ferreira, Marco Aurélio Nemitalla Added, Silvia Regina Shiwa, Nelson Carvas Jr & Patricia Andrade Batista. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice An International Journal of Physical Therapy 2018

Background: Lymphedema is known as a secondary complication of breast cancer treatment, caused by reduction on lymphatic flow and lymph accumulation on interstitial space. The Kinesio Taping (KT) has become an alternative treatment for lymphedema volume reduction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the literature through a systematic review on KT effects on lymphedema related to breast cancer.

Methods: Search strategies were performed by the following keywords: “Kinesio Taping,”“Athletic Tape,”“Cancer,”“Neoplasm,”“Lymphedema,” and “Mastectomy” with derivations and different combinations. The following databases were accessed: SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, and PEDro, between 2009 and 2016. Studies published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were considered for inclusion. The studies’ methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale.

Results: Seven studies were identified by the search strategy and eligibility. All of them showed positive effect in reducing lymphedema (perimeter or volume) before versus after treatment. However, with no effects comparing the KT versus control group or others treatments (standardized mean difference = 0.04, confidence interval 95%: −0.24; 0.33), the average score of the PEDro scale was 4.71 points.

Conclusions: KT was effective on postmastectomy lymphedema related to breast cancer; however, it is not more efficient than other treatments.

Main findings

  • Six studies were considered for meta-analysis.
  • KT had a positive effect reducing upper limb lymphedema volume in patients postmastectomy comparing before and after treatment. However, when comparing to control group or others treatments, KT has no significant effect on lymphedema volume reduction.
  • Limitations of this systematic review is the lack of standard nomenclature for the term “Kinesio Taping” which does not constitute a MeSH Term and therefore hindered the search for articles related to this theme.
  • The low methodological quality of the studies included in this systematic review does not allow a final conclusion on the indication of KT ’s use as a technique for reducing lymphedema in patients postmastectomy for breast cancer.
  • Evaluation of these studies using the PEDro Scale does not make them highly reliable for recommending the use of KT as an alternative for the treatment of lymphedema.
  • More studies with a high methodological quality are needed to determine the best use of KT in reducing postmastectomy lymphedema due to breast cancer; so, it may be incorporated routinely in the clinical treatment of lymphedema.