Using neuromuscular taping to reduce upper limb swelling in cardiac surgery patients

Effects Neuromuscular Taping Technique on Upper Limbs Edema in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT04785508

This study tests if using special tape on the arms can help reduce swelling in patients who have just had heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT04785508 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a neuromuscular taping technique aimed at reducing upper limb edema in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. The approach involves applying a decompression technique using specialized tape and positioning the arms in an antigravity position to alleviate swelling caused by postoperative water overload. The study will assess the outcomes of this intervention compared to standard care in the targeted patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cardiac surgery patients experiencing postoperative edema in their upper limbs due to water overload.

Not a fit: Patients without edema, those who have had a mastectomy or lymphadenectomy, or those with upper limb surgery, fractures, infections, or deep vein thrombosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative edema, improving recovery and comfort for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While similar techniques have been explored in other contexts, this specific application in cardiac surgery patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac surgery patients with postoperative edema of the upper limbs due to water overload

Exclusion Criteria:

* absence of edema,
* previous mastectomy and lymphadenectomy,
* surgery or fractures or infection of the upper limb,
* previous or current deep vein thrombosis.

Where this trial is running

Roma

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Edema Limbs
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.