To compare the “efficacy of pneumatic compression therapy (PCT), lymphatic drainage exercises (LDE) and control group in patient with upper limb lymphoedema

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphoedema is a common, chronic, progressive and often debilitating disease caused by the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial spaces. Lymphoedema most frequently affects the extremities, but may occur in the head, neck, torso, abdomen, and genitalia [1]. Aim and Objective: To compare the“efficacy of pneumatic compression therapy (PCT), lymphatic drainage exercises and control group in patient with upper limb lymph edema.”Methodology: It is an experimental study design. A convenience sample of 45 subjects with lymphoedema was solicited from the OPD physiotherapy department of SGRRIMHS & SMIH Patel Nagar Dehradun. Subject randomly assigned into three groups viz group A, B and C. Group A patients given Pneumatic Compression Therapy (PCT) and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Group B given Lymphatic Drainage Exercises (LDE) and Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and Group C given Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for upper limb lymph edema. All three groups were treated for four weeks.Results: The age, weight and height of subjects in groups A, B and C were compared by using analysis of variance. There was no significant difference found in age, weight and height in all 3 groups (P>0.05). But significant difference found at 3 to 4 weeks in all 3 groups. (P