Kinesiotaping in Lymphoedema Management (version 3)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of Kinesiotaping in lymphoedema management: A pilot study.
IRAS ID
163793
Contact name
Andrew Bagnall
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Title: The effect of Kinesiotaping (KT) in Lymphoedema Management.
Background: Lymphoedema is a chronic incurable condition, which can develop in any part of the body although mainly in the limbs. Symptoms can be controlled by appropriate daily management. Lymphoedema is a result of failure of the lymphatic system, causing accumulation of fluid and other products to build up in the tissue spaces. Kinesio taping was invented and developed by a Dr Kenzo Kase about 30 years ago to facilitate the body’s natural healing process to allow support and to stabilise muscles and joints, without compromising mobility It is also a concept used in lymphoedema management and is suggested to facilitate drainage of lymph and channel it in the correct direction following lymphatic pathways. The use of KT is not widely used by every lymphoedema clinic but is gaining in popularity. Anecdotal evidence supports KT as an additional treatment option in lymphoedema management however there is little scientific published evidence.
Research Question: Does Kinesiotaping have an effect on lymphoedema management by reducing pain and limb volume?
This is an experimental study which will take place within a lymphoedema service in Norfolk. I plan to carry out this quantitative research by comparing one group of patients using compression garments with another group of patients using compression and KT. The patients will be randomised and assessed over a four week period.
The clinic will take weekly measurements using perometer and bioimpedance, and complete a questionnaire relating to pain. The patient will complete a daily diary of management.
All patients will be given advice on daily skin care and exercise but advised not to use any other treatments whilst taking part in the study, such as lymphatic drainage, laser or intermittent pneumatic compression.Group 1: will wear a class 2 compression garment on their affected limb
Group 2: will wear a class 2 compression garment and KT on their affected limb.Group 1 will need to attend weekly for there measurements.
Group 2 will need to attend twice weekly to have the KT tape reapplied and weekly measurements. A rest day of KT is required for 24 hours.Inclusion:
• Aged 18 and over
• Diagnosis of lymphoedema of the leg (unilateral)
• Skin cancer related lymphoedema.
• Non cancer related lymphoedema.
• Limb volume difference between limbs of 5% or
• Problematic area in the foot. 2cm difference (this cannot be included in volume / percentage difference).Exclusion:
• Untreated skin cancer.
• Current radiotherapy (RT) (must be 3 months post RT).
• Broken skin (within the area needing taping)
• Cellulitis
• Sensitivity to the kinesiotape.
• Pregnancy.
• Patients with implanted electronic devices.
• Metal implants.
• Pacemaker.
• Patients unable to give informed consent
• Previously used kinesiotape for lymphoedema management.I plan to recruit 10 participants with leg lymphoedema
A local statistician will provide the randomisation and will have equal opportunities to be randomised into either group.REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0293
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion