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LymphedemaACWNCT07109674

Adjustable Compression Wraps (ACW) in Lymphedema

A study testing adjustable compression device (type circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth) and Comparison of inelastic compression efficiency in people with Lymphedema and Lymphedema Arm, run by University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland at 1 site in Poland.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Compression therapy based on multilayer compression bandaging and com pression garment use remains the most efficient component of complex physical therapy (CPT) in lymphedema treatment. The proper self-application of compression bandages is generally considered as problematic. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women only
Conditions the study is for
Lymphedema, Lymphedema Arm, Breast Cancer
What is being tested?
adjustable compression device (type circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth) and Comparison of inelastic compression efficiency
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
55 participants
Where
1 sitePoland
Study dates
3 Jan 2024to 30 Mar 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • stage-II of lymphedema (according to ISL)
  • ≥20% excess limb volumes
  • positive pitting skin sign
  • absent signs of active cancer
  • absent of venous thrombosis

Who cannot join

  • active cancer during oncological treatment
  • using compression
  • stage-I of lymphedema (according to ISL)
  • < 20 % excess limb volumes

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Poland1 site
  • University School of Physical Education

    Krakow, Małopolska, 31-571

Other trials in Poland

About this study

Official title: Inelastic Compression With a High Stiffness Index in Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: A Prospective Case - Control Study

Compression therapy based on multilayer compression bandaging and com pression garment use remains the most efficient component of complex physical therapy (CPT) in lymphedema treatment. The proper self-application of compression bandages is generally considered as problematic. Adjustable compression wraps (ACW) have been proposed as an alternative to the commonly used short-stretch bandages for lymphedema. These systems allow easy application and removal for patients. They have been tested in patients with vascular disorders of the lower limbs and can be considered in breast cancer survivors with upper-limb lymphedema.

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness, physical functioning and comfort of 2 types inelastic compression: adjustable compression wrap (reduction) and multi-layer compression bandaging at the intensive phase of treatment in advanced upper limb lymphedema among breast cancer survivors.

Read the detailed description

55 women after breast cancer treatment admitted to the Lymphedema Clinic and patients fulfilled the admission criteria - stage-II (according to ISL) lymphedema, ≥20% excess limb volumes, positive pitting skin sign, and absent signs of active cancer, venous thrombosis or previous compression were assigned into the experimental group with the adjustable compression wrap redcution kit, ACW - Group or the control with compression bandaging, CB-Group.

In the ACW reduction group, adjustable compression garments (typ circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth) was also fitted based on individual limb measurements with ability to reduce size of garment as the limb volume decreases. The kit included a card with a color scale that allowed users to achieve the appropriate pressure of 20-30 mmHg. The next day, in order to refresh and moisturize the skin, these products were removed for a short period prior to the next therapeutic session. They were used for 24 hours.

In the CB group, multi-layer bandaging of the limb was performed using short stretch bandages with pads (Rosidal K, Lohmann \& Raucher). At the beginning of bandaging, a cotton tube stockinet was placed on the arm, a layer of gauze was applied to the fingers and hand. A layer of foam padding (Lymphset: Lohmann \& Raucher) was placed on the hand and wrapped around the arm. Three bandages of different sizes (8, 10, 12 cm in width) were placed around the limb with the first starting at the hand, the second at the wrist and the third beginning below the elbow. Sub-bandage pressure was measured via the Kikushime device (Kikgel, Ujazd Poland) on the dorsal part of the forearm, as well as on the arm, to ensure a pressure value within the range of 20-30 mmHg, comparable to pressure used in the compression system among the ACW Group. Bandages were removed for a short time before the therapeutic session the next day, as in the ACW-Group, and put on the next day. The exercise program including aerobic exercises of the upper limbs combined with deep breathing was performed in adjustable compression wraps or bandaging for 15 minutes in 1 session per day.

Measurements, including physical functioning, limb volumes and disease-related symptoms, were performed before the intervention and after treatment in both groups. Circumferential upper limb measurements were taken with the arm abducted at 30°, starting at the level of the ulnar styloid, every 4 cm proximal to this point along both limbs. Calculation of limb segment volumes was carried out using a simplified frustum formula (summed truncated cone). The excess volume was the difference between the affected and unaffected limbs expressed in litres. The percentage reduction of the excess volume was obtained as follows: (excess volume before treatment - excess volume after treatment) x 100/excess volume before treatment.

Patients rated their physical functioning, disease-related symptoms, compression comfort and complications of compression on a numerical rating scale (NRS) based on the International Compression Club (ICC) Questionnaire - Part for Patients. Firstly, the patients assessed their physical functioning (sum of ability to move wrist, elbow, shoulder; use a spoon; carry out work; complete household chores; practice sports' carry out leisure activities; social activities, on the Number Rating Scale (NRS; 0 = not able at all, 10 = completely able) and disease-related symptoms (sum of pain; loss of muscle strength; heaviness; swelling; tight skin; tingling; leakage; NRS: 0 = no complaints, 10 = the highest intensity), first without the tested compression and continued after 1 and 2 weeks using the compression device. Complications of compression related to skin irritation; tender spots; skin damage; itching; warmth; throbbing; cramps; cutting in; slippage; local swelling; bulky feeling; too tight feeling (NRS: 0 = not present at all, 10 = very obviously present, sum of points) were assessed after 1 and 2 weeks in both groups. Compression comfort including: easy donning; easy doffing; feeling immediately after donning; feeling during daytime; putting on clothes on compression; feeling at night; the appearance of the garment (NRS: 0 = not able at all, 10 = completely able, sum of points) was evaluated after the first and second weeks in both groups.

Treatment in both groups lasted 10 days (2 weeks, Monday to Friday). In the first week, all patients were treated by 2 experienced physiotherapists and educated in applying adjustable compression wraps (ACW reduction group) or self-bandaging (CB group). During the 2nd week, the use of ACW and CB was continued by the patients themselves at home. Patients were asked to maintain the adjustable compression wraps or compression bandaging even during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday).

Being tested
adjustable compression device (type circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth), Comparison of inelastic compression efficiency
Keywords
breast cancer survivors, compression therapy, adjustable compression wrap, compression bandaging
Medical subject headings
Lymphedema, Breast Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • adjustable compression device (type circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth)Device

    Also called compression therapy

    inelastic compression during intensive phase of physical therapy

  • Comparison of inelastic compression efficiencyDevice

    The effect of compression on volume reduction, physical functioning, disease-related symptoms and comfort

Study groups in NCT07109674
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Adjustable compression wrap-reduction kitExperimentalThe objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness on volume reduction, physical functioning and comfort of inelastic compression: adjustable compression wrap (reduction) at the intensive phase of treatment in advanced upper limb lymphedema among breast cancer survivors
Receives: Device: adjustable compression device (type circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth)
Compression bandagingActive comparatortext
Receives: Device: Comparison of inelastic compression efficiency

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The assessment of limb volume

    Measurements including limb volumes were performed before the intervention, and after treatment in both groups. Circumferential upper limb measurements were taken with the arm abducted at 30°, starting at the level of the ulnar styloid, every 4 cm proximal to this point along both limbs. Calculation of limb segment volumes was carried out using a simplified frustum formula (summed truncated cone). The excess volume was the difference between the affected and unaffected limbs expressed in litres. The percentage reduction of the excess volume was obtained as follows: (excess volume before treatment - excess volume after treatment) x 100/excess volume before treatment.

    Measured: 14 months

  2. The assessment of physical functioning

    Patients rated their physical functioning of the affected limb on a numerical rating scale (NRS) based on the International Compression Club (ICC) Questionnaire - Part for Patients. The patients assessed their physical functioning (sum of ability to move wrist, elbow, shoulder; use a spoon; carry out work; complete household chores; practice sports' carry out leisure activities; social activities, on the Number Rating Scale (NRS; 0 = not able at all, 10 = completely able) before and after treatment in both groups.

    Measured: 14 months

  3. The assessment of disease - related symptoms

    Patients rated their disease-related symptoms based on the International Compression Club (ICC) Questionnaire - Part for Patients on the Number Rating (sum of pain; loss of muscle strength; heaviness; swelling; tight skin; tingling; leakage; NRS: 0 = no complaints, 10 = the highest intensity) before the intervention and after treatment in both groups.

    Measured: 14 months

  4. The assessment of compression comfort

    Patients rated their comfort and complications related to compression on a numerical rating scale (NRS) based on the International Compression Club (ICC) Questionnaire - Part for Patients. Complications of compression related to skin irritation; tender spots; skin damage; itching; warmth; throbbing; cramps; cutting in; slippage; local swelling; bulky feeling; too tight feeling (NRS: 0 = not present at all, 10 = very obviously present, sum of points) were assessed after treatment in both groups. Compression comfort including: easy donning; easy doffing; feeling immediately after donning; feeling during daytime; putting on clothes on compression; feeling at night; the appearance of the garment (NRS: 0 = not able at all, 10 = completely able, sum of points) was evaluated after treatment in both groups.

    Measured: 14 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted7 Aug 2025
  2. Study start3 Jan 2024
  3. Primary completion1 Feb 2025
  4. Study completion30 Mar 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Comparison the physiotherapeutical intervention in breast cancer surivors
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
55 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07109674
Sponsor's protocol ID
345/BS/IRK/2024
Acronym
ACW
Status last verified
Jun 2025
First submitted
23 Jun 2025
Last updated
7 Aug 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: * limb volume reduction * physical functioning * disease- related symptoms * comfort in compression

Publications

  • Pujol-Blaya V, Salinas-Huertas S, Catasus ML, Pascual T, Belmonte R. Effectiveness of a precast adjustable compression system compared to multilayered compression bandages in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomized, single-blind clinical trial. Clin Rehabil. 2019 Apr;33(4):631-641. doi: 10.1177/0269215518821785. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

    PubMed 30607986
  • Ochalek K, Kurpiewska J, Gradalski T. Adjustable Compression Wraps (ACW) vs. Compression Bandaging (CB) in the Acute Phase of Breast Cancer-Related Arm Lymphedema Management-A Prospective Randomized Study. Biology (Basel). 2023 Mar 31;12(4):534. doi: 10.3390/biology12040534.

    PubMed 37106735

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing adjustable compression device (type circaid® reduction kit, Medi-Bayreuth) and Comparison of inelastic compression efficiency in people with Lymphedema and Lymphedema Arm, run by University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland at 1 site in Poland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The assessment of limb volume (time frame: 14 months). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07109674, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Aug 2025.

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