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KMID : 0357220090210040089
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Journal of Korean Society Physical Therapy
2009 Volume.21 No. 4 p.89 ~ p.96
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Effects of Manual Lymph Drainage on the Edema and Quality of Life in Lymphedema Patients of Maintenance Phase
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Kim Sung-Joung
Ro Hyo-Lyun
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Abstract
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Purpose: This study examined the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on edema and the quality of life (QOL) of lymphedema patients in the maintenance phase.
Method: Forty five lymphedema patients, who had completed intensive decongestive therapy, were enrolled in this study. All subjects were assigned randomly to two groups: Experimental (MLD) group (n=23) and control (self-MLD) group (n=22). MLD by a specialist was applied with a comfortable pressure for 40~60 minutes in the experimental group and self-MLD was carried out by the control group 5 times a week for 2 weeks. The % edema and a SF-36 questionnaire were used to measure the decrease in edema and the QOL. A paired t-test was used to compare the period, and an independent T-test was used to compare experiment and control groups.
Result: The % edema was significantly lower in the experimental group after MLD (p<0.05). The physical, vitality, and mental health scores of the experimental group was significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: TMLD by a specialist in the maintenance phase is effective in reducing the % edema and enhancing the QOL of lymphedema patients. Further studies will be needed to determine if there are differences in the effects of many types of treatment methods in the lymphedema treatment.
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KEYWORD
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Manual lymph drainage, Lymphedema, Quality of life
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