Effects of Core-Focused Exercise Training and Kinesiology Taping in Women With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Effects of Core-Focused Exercise Training and Kinesiology Taping Combined With Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy on Posture, Pain, Function, and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of trunk- focused exercise training and kinesiology taping, in addition to standard lymphedema treatment (complex decongestive therapy-CDT) on posture, pain, functionality and quality of life in women with breast cancer related lymphedema. This study is designed as a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Lymphedema negatively affects the musculoskeletal system, leading to shoulder girdle muscle imbalances, cervical and thoracolumbar pain, scapular dysfunction and spinal postural alterations. Although CDT is considered the gold standard for edema management, its effects have primarily been evaluated in terms of edema reduction and symptom control, and there is limited evidence regarding its impact on posture, musculoskeletal symptoms, and quality of life, as well as the potential effects of prolonged compression bandaging applied during the intensive phase on these systems.

Trunk-focused exercise training is expected to improve spinal stability, mobility and postural control, while kinesiology taping may help alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms by providing proprioceptive input and mechanical support. By combining these interventions, this study aims to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation approach targeting both physical and functional impairments. If additional improvements in posture, pain, function, and quality of life are observed compared to a control group receiving CDT combined with lower extremity exercise and placebo taping, these findings will support the added value of a multimodal rehabilitation approach beyond standard care.

The findings of this randomized placebo-controlled trial are expected to contribute to the literature by providing evidence for a comprehensive and holistic treatment approach in breast cancer-related lymphedema and to support the integration of trunk-focused exercise training and kinesiology taping into routine clinical practice. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no randomized placebo-controlled study investigating the effects of trunk-focused exercise training and kinesiology taping in addition to CDT on posture, pain, functionality, and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 40 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of stage 1-2 lymphedema according to the International Society of Lymphology classification system
• History of radical surgery due to primary breast cancer, with at least 6 months elapsed since surgery
• Completion of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy
• Presence of pain with a score of ≥3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) in at least one of the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical regions
• No cooperation problems in completing the study questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m²
• Presence of active infection
• Presence of active malignancy or metastasis
• Presence of neurological disease
• History of bilateral breast cancer
• Presence of extremity deformity, scoliosis, cauda equina syndrome, or history of whiplash injury
• Presence of motor or sensory neurological deficits (to be clinically assessed by manual muscle testing and superficial sensory examination)
• History of spinal surgery
• Presence of any spinal pathology