Efficacy of kinesio tape on bilateral pedal edema in selective types of edema

Study aim: To determine the effectiveness of kinesiology tape for treatment of bilateral pedal edema in different types of edema patients (renal, lymphatic).

Material and methods: Sixty patients of both sexes who had bilateral pedal edema took part in this study. They were randomized to two equal-size study groups. Group A (renal edema) included 30 patients (8 males and 22 females) aged 59.2 ± 5.2 years. Group B (lymphedema) included 30 patients (9 males and 21 females) aged 59.7 ± 5.3 years. Both groups underwent 60 minutes of supervised conventional physiotherapy sessions twice weekly in addition to kinesiology tape for 12 weeks. Pedal edema, functional capacity and quality of life were assessed using volumetric assessment and tape measurements, the six-minute walk test, the lymphedema quality of life scale (LYMQOL) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) for both groups before and after treatment.

Results: After completion of the treatment program, the patients assigned to group B (lymphedema) achieved higher results in the volumetric assessment (p < 0.001), tape measurements (p < 0.001), functional capacity (6MWT) (p < 0.001), LYMQOL in all domains (function, appearance, symptoms, mood and overall quality) (overall p < 0.001) and WHOQOL in all domains (physical health, psychological, social, environment and overall quality) (overall p < 0.001). Patients assigned to group A (renal) did not show an improvement in their results (p > 0.001).

Conclusion: Kinesiology tape was found to be an effective method for reducing bilateral pedal edema in patients with lymph-edema. This in turn can enhance functional capacity and quality of life.