Clinical Evaluation of Kinesio Taping Outcomes in Stage II Cellulite: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Phase: NA
Conditions: Cellulite of Thighs
Sponsor: Klaipedos valstybine kolegija

Study Protocol 
Official Title: 
Clinical Evaluation of Kinesio Taping Outcomes in Stage II Cellulite: A Pilot 
Randomised Controlled Trial 
NCT Number: 
NCTXXXXXXXX 
Document Date: 
September 16, 2025 
Sponsor/Collaborator: 
Klaipėda State University of Applied Sciences (Klaipėdos valstybinė kolegija) 

Background 
Cellulite is a common skin condition characterized by dimpling and uneven surface 
texture, primarily affecting women. It is associated with changes in the dermis and 
subcutaneous tissue, impaired microcirculation, and lymphatic congestion. Kinesio taping 
is a physiotherapy technique that may improve microcirculation and skin structure, but 
evidence for its effectiveness in cellulite is limited. 
Objectives 
The primary objective of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of 
kinesio taping on dermis density and low echogenic band (LEB) thickness in women with 
stage II cellulite. Secondary objectives include assessing changes in thigh circumference, 
body composition, cellulite stage, and skin moisture. 
Study Design 
This is a two-arm, parallel-assignment, open-label, randomised controlled trial. 
Participants are allocated to either an experimental group (kinesio taping) or a control 
group (no intervention). 
Participants 
Eligible participants are women aged 18–45 years with stage II cellulite and normal body 
mass index (BMI). Exclusion criteria include pregnancy, edema, obesity, thrombosis, and 
skin infections. 
Intervention 
Experimental group participants receive kinesio taping once weekly for four consecutive 
weeks. Fan-shaped elastic tape is applied with 0–15% tension to the buttocks and thighs 
at standard anatomical points (gluteus maximus, posterior thigh, anterior thigh). Control 
group participants do not receive any intervention during the study period. 
Outcome Measures 
Primary Outcomes: 
- Change in dermis density (measured by high-frequency ultrasound, DermaLab Combo 
4). 
- Change in low echogenic band (LEB) thickness (measured by ultrasound). 
 

Secondary Outcomes: 
- Change in thigh circumference (20 cm below the greater trochanter). 
- Change in body composition (fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass, basal metabolic 
rate, total body water). 
- Change in cellulite stage (Nürnberger–Müller Scale, Callegari Soft Plus). 
- Change in skin moisture (Callegari Soft Plus device). 
Sample Size 
A total of 38 participants were enrolled, with randomisation into two groups (n=17 
experimental, n=17 control). Sample size was determined using power analysis for an 
independent t-test, accounting for a 10% dropout rate. 
Statistical Analysis 
Data will be analysed using SPSS v25.0. Statistical tests include independent t-tests, 
paired t-tests, and effect size calculations (Cohen’s d, Hedges’ g). Significance is set at 
p<0.05. 
Ethical Approval 
The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee on 27 December 2024 (Nr. 
SSV6-114). All participants provided written informed consent.