Kinesiotaping Versus Pressure Garments on Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema.

Plain-language summary

The goal of this randomised control study is to compare kinesiotaping and pressue garments in secondary upper extremity lymphedema following microsurgical breast reconstruction after severe chest burns. The primary objective of this study was to compare the effects of kinesiotaping and pressure garments on limb circumference, handgrip strength, shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and limb circumference in patients with lymphedema following breast reconstruction due to chest burns. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the kinesiotaping group (n = 28) and the pressure garments group (n = 28). To perform taping of the chest in the kinesiotaping group, the patient was asked to stand upright with the affected shoulder rotated externally. Five straps of the fan-shaped tape were extended to the chest toward the affected axilla with 15% to 20% tension, and the anchor was positioned without tension in the anterior axilla on the sound side. In the pressure garment group, the participant's skin was washed and dried before applying the PG. The Premium Lymphedema Gradient Garment (Jobskin, Long Eaton, England) was used to apply PGs. This garment has a pressure gradient built into it, applying between 20 and 60 mm Hg for at least 15 to 18 hours each day for three weeks.

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