• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.53-61
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects On the lymphedema patients of sponge padding and the correlation between the rate of edema reduction and downward shifting of bandages. Fifty secondary lymphedema patients with no infection, active cancer, limitation of movement, pain or drugs were randomly assigned to two groups: a sponge padding group, and a cotton padding group. Complex decongestive therapy was applied for 2 weeks. In each group the volume of the ankle, mid-calf, knee, and mid-thigh and downward shifting of bandages at the thigh was measured with measuring tape. The reduction of volume and downward shifting of bandages were analyzed by the unrelated t-test and the Pearson Correlation Test. The results were as follows: 1. In comparison between the sponge padding group and the cotton padding group, there was no significant difference in volume except in the thigh area. The edema volume was reduced significantly to $37.77{\pm}31.15%$ at the thigh with sponge padding after treatment (p<.05). 2. Bandage shifted 10.12 cm with cotton padding, but only shifted 2.85 cm when sponge padding was used. Sponge padding had an excellent effect in preventing the shifting of bandages. There was a significant difference in the amount of shifting that occurred with each type of padding (p<.05). 3. There was also a strong correlation between the reduction of edema and the shifting of bandage. These results suggest that short-stretch bandaging with sponge padding is more effective than bandaging with cotton padding. Further study on skin irritation and the comfort of sponge padding is needed to use padding materials safely and effectively.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.62-73
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• 1999

The purpose of this article was to provide basic knowledge and treatment principles of patient with lymphedema, which was usually not treated at all, or the treatment given didn't work efficiently. Lmphedema is defined as an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid, edema, and chronic inflammation within an extremity. Lmphedema may be classified as either primary results from defects with aplasia, hypoplasia, and hyperplasia in the lymphatic system at birth or secondary is caused by known precipitating factors such as cancer, infection, inflammation, radiation, surgery, or trauma etc. There are essentially several conservative treatment methods which has been utilized successfully to treat lymphedema in Samsung Medical Center. We used following procedures: CPT (Complex Physical therapy) or CDP (Complex Decongesitive Physical therapy) such as skin care, MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage), compression with short-stretch bandage, exercise, elevation, elastic stocking, and pneumatic compression. Our experiences shows that conservative treatments can significantly reduce lymphedema and prevent different complications.