Efficacy of Kinesio Taping Versus Compression Therapy on Breast Lymphedema Induced by Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Kinesio Taping Versus Compression Therapy on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients With Radiotherapy-Related Breast Lymphedema After Breast-Conserving Surgery

Breast cancer patients often develop breast lymphedema after breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy, causing swelling, pain, and heaviness that affect quality of life. This study compares two physical therapy approaches-Kinesio Taping and compression therapy-for relieving breast lymphedema. Kinesio Taping is an elastic medical tape applied to the breast skin to promote lymphatic drainage; compression therapy uses an adjustable pressure vest to reduce swelling through external pressure. The study will enroll 99 eligible postoperative breast cancer patients, randomly assigned to three groups: one receiving routine care, one receiving routine care plus Kinesio Taping, and one receiving routine care plus compression therapy, with a 6-week intervention period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at 3 and 6 months post-intervention to compare changes in swelling, pain, and quality of life among the three groups. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tangshan People's Hospital (LLKS), and all participants voluntarily participate with signed informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of unilateral breast cancer confirmed according to the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines and Standards (2024 edition).
• Underwent breast-conserving surgery and completed breast radiotherapy for at least 2 months prior to enrollment; skin toxicity ≤ Grade 1 according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria.
• Age ≥ 18 years.
• Ultrasound-diagnosed breast lymphedema in at least one quadrant of the affected breast exceeding the following thresholds: upper outer quadrant thickness ≥ 2.5 mm, upper inner quadrant ≥ 3.0 mm, lower outer quadrant ≥ 2.3 mm, lower inner quadrant ≥ 2.6 mm.
• Presence of breast lymphedema symptoms (breast swelling, peau d'orange appearance, redness, positive Stemmer's sign) confirmed by clinical diagnosis.
• Ability to understand and communicate effectively, capable of completing questionnaires.
• Willing to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment or communication dysfunction.
• Severe psychological disorders or psychiatric illness.
• Postoperative cancer recurrence or metastasis with serious complications.
• Other causes of breast swelling unrelated to breast cancer.
• Severe liver or kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, lymphangitis, or current antibiotic treatment for cellulitis that would preclude participation.
• Allergy to Kinesio Tape.