Effects of Aqua-Lymphatic Therapy on Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Study
Gulbin Ergin, Didem Karadibak, Hulya Ozlem Sener and Baris Gurpinar. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 2017
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Effects of Aqua-Lymphatic Therapy on Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Study
Gulbin Ergin, Didem Karadibak, Hulya Ozlem Sener and Baris Gurpinar. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 2017
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the aqua-lymphatic therapy (ALT) on unilateral lower extremity lymphedema in the maintenance phase.
Materials and Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. The study was completed with 30 ALT and 27 control group participants. Foot volume was assessed by a water displacement device, limb volume by circumference measurements, functional capacity by a 6-minute walk test, quality of life by Short Form-36, and social appearance by Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and hopeless by Beck Hopeless Scale. The ALT and the control group had group sessions twice in a week for 6 weeks directed by a physiotherapist.
Results: The mean age of ALT patients was 44.50–13.69 years, whereas that of the control patients was 47.66–16.82 years. After the intervention, both groups’ measurement of edema, functional level, quality of life, as well as social and future concerns improved significantly but this improvement was higher in the ALT group (p<0.05, p£0.001).
Conclusions: ALT was found to be a safe effective method for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema patients during the maintenance phase of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy
Main findings
- For the aqua-lymphatic therapy (ALT) group each session lasts 45– 60 minutes. First, healthy lymphotomes are activated proximally to clear the reservoir, by breathing exercises. Second, proximal movements of chest and trunk and manual techniques of self-massage are performed. Lastly, work is performed to clear the affected lymphotomes into the healthy ones and self massage and distal movements are performed that involve the hips, knees, ankles, and toes. Then, remedial exercises are performed proximal to distal.
- The control group consisted of self-lymphatic drainage and remedial exercises (proximal to distal) performed in the lymphedema unit by a specialist CDP physiotherapist. Each session lasts 45–60 minutes.
- 12 sessions for each group.
- Both in the ALT group and in the control group, unilateral lower extremity volume decreased, the functional exercise capacity increased, quality of life increased, and social appearance anxiety and future anxiety decreased. Results were found to be better in the ALT group than in the control group. It has been found that the ALT is an effective and reliable method for the maintenance phase of the CDP.
