Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery

Purpose: This study was conducted to indicate effect of combination of intermittent pneumatic compression and kinesiotape on post mastectomy lymphedema. Subjects and methods: Thirty females diagnosed clinically by physician as post mastectomy lymphedema.They suffered from grade 2 lymphedema based on clinical investigations. Their age ranged from 30 to 60 years.They were assigned randomly into two groups (A, B) equal in number. Group A received intermittent pneumatic compression with kinesiotape in addition to complete decongestive therapy(manual lymphatic drainage-compression bandage- exercises- skin care) three times per week for 4 weeks. While, Group B received complete decongestive therapy only 3 times per week for 4weeks. Lymphedema and shoulder range of motion(flexion-abduction-external rotation) were assessed by tape measurement and goniometerrespectivelybefore and after 4weeks. Results: there was a statistically highly significant decrease in mean value of circumference measurement and increase in mean value of shoulder range of motion of group (A) when compared with its corresponding value in group (B).Conclusion: Adding IPC in combination with KTwas more effective method in post mastectomy lymphedema more than complete decongestive therapy only

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