Efficacy of kinesio taping on upper limb volume reduction in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Effects of kinesio taping in patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of kinesio taping on pain, oedema, range of motion, and joint function following knee or hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched up to 9 January 2024. Patients undergoing rehabilitation after knee or hip arthroplasty were included. The intervention group received kinesio taping with postoperative rehabilitation, while the control group received postoperative rehabilitation alone. Outcomes for knee arthroplasty patients, included pain, oedema, range of motion, and the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score. For hip arthroplasty, the outcome focused on pain.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 774 participants met the inclusion criteria. In knee arthroplasty patients, kinesio taping significantly reduced pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.53, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.14, p = 0.007), and relieved thigh (SMD = -0.38, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.12, p = 0.005) and ankle circumferences (SMD = -0.53, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.12, p = 0.01). It improved the total range of motion (SMD = 1.26, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.60, p < 0.00001) and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (SMD = 2.17, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.65, p < 0.00001). No significant pain intensity reduction was observed in hip arthroplasty patients (p = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping combined with postoperative rehabilitation effectively reduces oedema and pain, and improves joint function in knee arthroplasty patients, but does not alleviate pain in patients following hip arthroplasty.

The Effication of Low-Level Laser Therapy, Kinesio Taping, and Endermology on Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer surgery, characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, causing swelling, discomfort, and functional limitations in the affected arm. Traditional treatments for lymphedema include manual lymphatic drainage and compression garments, but their effectiveness is variable, and many patients do not achieve satisfactory outcomes. Emerging therapeutic modalities such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Kinesio Taping, and Endermology offer potential non-invasive treatment alternatives. However, the relative efficacy of these approaches in reducing lymphedema, improving limb function, and enhancing quality of life in post-mastectomy patients remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the effects of low-level laser therapy, kinesio taping, and endermology on breast cancer patients post-mastectomy with lymphedema.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. Searches were carried out in databases using keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select the studies to be included. The selected studies were critically appraised using Cochrane's critical appraisal tool. The chosen studies were extracted and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative analysis was performed using both fixed-effects and random-effects approaches.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included in this analysis. All studies were randomized trials with good quality based on critical appraisal. The analysis found a significantly greater reduction in arm volume in the combined intervention group (MD = 76.27; 95% CI = 33.84-118.69) and in each therapy group: low-level laser therapy (MD = 91.98; 95% CI = 41.99-141.97) and endermology (MD = 34.61; 95% CI = 20.81-48.41). However, there were no significant differences in the reduction of arm circumference or pain scale, either overall or for each therapy individually.

CONCLUSION

Low-level laser therapy and endermology provide better outcomes for breast cancer patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema compared to conventional therapy.

The effect of kinesiotaping on edema: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatment for edema involves multiple approaches, with Kinesiotaping having recently emerged as an option for edema reduction.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically summarize current evidence on the effects of Kinesiotaping on edema reduction on any type of edema.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed including randomized clinical trials that compared the effects of Kinesiotaping to any other intervention or no intervention on edema. Screening, assessment of methodological quality (PEDro scale) of studies, and confidence of evidence (GRADE) were analyzed by two independent reviewers. A quantitative summary is presented through meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 3750 studies were identified, of which 70 were included in this review, and were organized by body region (face, upper limbs and lower limbs) and by treatment time (short and long term). It was observed that Kinesiotaping was superior to comparison groups in the short-term for face edema (Standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.07; 95%CI -1.48 to -0.65) and lower limbs (SMD -0.55; 95%CI -1.06 to -0.05). Also, Kinesiotaping was superior to comparison group in the long-term for lower limbs (SMD -0.72; 95%CI -1.25 to -0.18). Kinesiotaping was not superior to the comparison groups for upper limbs in both the short (SMD -0.05; 95%CI -0.89 to 0.80) and long-term (SMD -0.04; 95%CI -0.31 to 0.24) protocols.

CONCLUSION

Kinesiotaping seems to be an effective intervention to reduce acute edema around the face and potentially in the lower limbs in both short and long-term protocols, although the quality of evidence is very low. However, these positive results were not observed for the upper limbs.

Immediate Effects of Two Different Methods of Trunk Elastic Taping on Pelvic Inclination, Trunk Impairment, Balance, and Gait in Stroke Patients

Background and Objectives: Stroke patients often experience changes in their pelvic tilt, trunk impairments and decreased gait and balance. While various therapeutic interventions have been attempted to improve these symptoms, there is a need for interventions that are easy to apply and reduce the physical labor of physical and occupational therapists. We aimed to investigate the immediate effects of two different methods of trunk elastic taping on the pelvic inclination, trunk impairment, balance, and gait in chronic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: We performed a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 45 patients with chronic stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: forward rotation with posterior pelvic tilt taping (FRPPT, n = 14), backward rotation with posterior pelvic tilt taping (BRPPT, n = 14), or placebo taping (PT = 14). This study was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024. All the measurements were performed twice: before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. The pelvic inclination was assessed using the anterior pelvic tilt angle. The trunk impairment scale (TIS) was used to measure the trunk impairment. The balance and gait were evaluated using a force plate and walkway system. Results: The pelvic inclination was significantly different in the FRPPT and BRPPT groups compared to the PT group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). The TIS and gait were significantly increased in the FRPPT group compared to the PT group (p < 0.05). The balance significantly improved in the FRPPT and BRPPT within groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Two different methods of posterior pelvic tilt taping improved the anterior pelvic tilt in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients compared with PT, and the FRPPT method also improved the trunk impairment and gait. Therefore, posterior pelvic tilt taping can be used as an intervention with immediate effect.

Three-dimensional imaging evaluation of facial swelling after orthognathic surgery with compression and Kinesio taping therapy: a randomized clinical trial

Background

Postoperative swelling is a common complication of orthognathic surgery. The authors used three-dimensional (3D) image analysis and body surface temperature to determine the effects of compression taping (CT) and Kinesio taping (KT) by the epidermis, dermis, and fascia method (EDF-KT) on postoperative swelling.

Materials and methods

The authors conducted a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Among the 162 patients diagnosed with jaw deformity and who underwent orthognathic surgery from August 2020 to October 2022, 105 patients (men: 36, women: 69, mean age: 28.27±8.92) underwent Le Fort type I + sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) or SSRO and were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: EDF-KT group (n=31), CT group (n=41), and no tape group (control group, n=30). All taping was performed immediately postoperatively and removed on postoperative day (POD) 5. Three-dimensional images of the participants' faces were obtained preoperatively and at PODs 3, 7, 30, and 90 using a hand-held 3D imaging system and infrared thermography.

Results

No significant difference was observed in postoperative swelling and postoperative body surface temperature between the groups at each time point. The CT group showed a trend towards reduced swelling on PODs 3 and 7 and a trend toward residual swelling on POD 90. The EDF-KT group showed a trend towards an increase in postoperative body surface temperature.

Conclusion

CT taping may not be appropriate for postoperative swelling control, suggesting that EDF-KT may affect body surface temperature. Further validation of the efficacy of KT for jaw deformities is needed.

Examining the efficacy of treatments for arm lymphedema in breast cancer survivors: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analyses

Background

Lymphedema affects one in six breast cancer survivors making it a global healthcare challenge. There is considerable debate about the efficacy of different treatments for lymphedema. We aimed to summarize the current evidence for treatments for lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

In this overview of systematic reviews with meta-analyses (SRMAs), five databases were searched for SRMAs of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting effects of medications, surgery, exercise, laser therapy, acupuncture, kinesio taping, or complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) for breast cancer-related lymphedema published from database inception up to March 7, 2023. Data extraction was performed for the SRMAs and RCTs, and SRMAs were appraised with AMSTAR2. Random effects meta-analyses of the RCTs provided estimates of the pooled effects sizes (Hedges' g) for each treatment modality. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020184813.

Findings

1569 studies were identified by the search and eighteen SRMAs with 51 RCTs were included, investigating manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression pump, exercise, kinesio taping, laser, and acupuncture. Overall, the methodological quality of the SRMAs was low. SRMAs reached different conclusions for all treatment modalities, except for kinesio taping where the two SRMAs found no effect. The analysis of 40 RCTs with 1970 participants revealed a small effect across all interventions compared to any control (g = 0.20, p = 0.047, I2 = 0.79), corresponding to volume reductions of 119.7 ml (95% CI 135-104) and 88.0 ml (95% CI 99-77) in the intervention and control groups, respectively, and a small effect of exercise (g = 0.26, p = 0.022, I2 = 0.44). The between-group differences in volume reduction were small and did not reach statistical significance for any one treatment modality.

Interpretation

Based on the available data, there is no evidence of superiority of any one treatment on volume reduction nor any solid research refuting these treatments. Thus, definitive conclusions to inform clinical practice about the efficacy of these treatments cannot be drawn. Due to poor-quality evidence, more research is needed to untangle the efficacy of each treatment component for different stages of lymphedema.

Funding

Danish Cancer Society.

Nutrition-associated health levels in persons with cancer: item response modelling based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

BACKGROUND

The nutritional status of individuals with cancer is a crucial determinant of their health and well-being, and addressing nutrition-related functioning conditions is essential for maintaining physical activity levels and participating in daily activities.

AIM

This study aims to identify an evidence-based International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) scale using item response theory for nutrition conditions in patients with cancer, which can differentiate and assess nutrition-related functioning conditions of cancer survivors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University.

POPULATION

One hundred cancer patients were enrolled.

METHODS

Via convenience sampling, the study administered a questionnaire consisting of 89 ICF items to participants. The original five-point rating system was binarized (1 = no problem, 0 = problem). Through data shaping, non-parametric IRT analysis and parametric IRT analysis, psychometric properties of nutritional ICF scale were calculated using R software.

RESULTS

The study extracted a unidimensional scale with 32 items and constructed 2-parameter logistic model with good fitness, whose root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) = 0.0759, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.9655, and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.9677. The model demonstrated high reliability, as indicated by a Cronbach's α of 0.95, Guttman λ2 of 0.95, Molenaar Sijtsma statistic of 0.96 and a latent class reliability coefficient (LCRC) of 0.98. Besides, there was a strong correlation between the total score of 32 ICF items and the score of Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA, P<0.001, r=-0.77) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA, P<0.001, r=0.76), suggesting the 32-item scale had high validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The study constructed an evidence-based ICF scale for nutrition conditions in patients with cancer with 32-item and 2PLM for evaluating nutrition-associated health level in persons with cancer, including high validity and reliability.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The IRT model based on ICF provided a promising assessment tool to discriminate nutrition-associated health level of persons with cancer, and offered an auxiliary method for selecting rehabilitation intervention targets. This has the potential to lead to improved outcomes in cancer treatment and increased quality of life for cancer survivors.

Role of Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current prehabilitation and rehabilitation strategies for thyroid cancer survivors to optimize functional outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

METHODS

The review follows the SANRA quality criteria and includes an extensive literature search conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus.

RESULTS

The review emphasizes the role of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach in targeting the different domains that generate disability in thyroid cancer patients. In this context, physical activity, range of motion exercises, myofascial release, joint mobilization, and postural exercises are crucial for improving functional outcomes and reducing treatment-related discomfort and disability. Moreover, tailored rehabilitative management addressing dysphonia and dysphagia might have a positive impact on the quality of life of these patients. Despite these considerations, several barriers still affect the implementation of a multimodal rehabilitative approach in common clinical practice. Thus, sustainable and effective strategies like digital innovation and patient-centered approaches are strongly needed in order to implement the rehabilitative treatment framework of these subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative review provides valuable insights into the current prehabilitation and rehabilitation strategies to treat thyroid cancer survivors, addressing physical, psychological, and vocational needs to optimize functional outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

Exploring the potential role of health resort medicine in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a viable alternative for innovative rehabilitation opportunities?

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disorder of the lymphatic system that impairs the return of lymphatic fluid. Breast cancer treatment can cause breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), with axillary lymph node dissection and regional lymph node radiation being established risk factors. BCRL can cause severe morbidity, disability, and reduced quality of life. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent the disease from progressing and causing complications. According to the International Society of Lymphology, complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is the most effective conservative treatment for lymphedema. Aquatic exercise is a safe and effective form of therapeutic CDT exercise that can improve joint range of motion, reduce pain, and positively impact limb volume. Additionally, health resort medicine and thermal mineral-rich waters may provide synergistic benefits for therapeutic exercise programs. Therefore, we believe that consideration should be given to whether the spa setting could represent a viable alternative for the rehabilitation of BCRL patients.