• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.263-268
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• 2020

This study is to investigate the effects of manual lymphatic drainage of stressed hospital office employees on the autonomic nervous. A total of 30 stressed hospital office women voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were randomized to the manual lymphatic drainage groups and rest groups. The intervention was conducted for 20 minutes in each group. There were significant differences in sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain within manual lymphatic drainage groups(p<.05). There were significant differences between groups for the sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain(p<.05). Therefore, manual lymphatic drainage is an effective intervention for reducing the stress and pain of stressed hospital office employees.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.35-39
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• 2016

Background: The superficial lymphatic system is divided into areas called lymphatic territories which are separated by watersheds. When the lymphatic system fails to remove its load either due to surgery, radiotherapy or some congenital malformation of it then the fluid and the proteins and wastes contained within it accumulates in that territory. Anastomotic connections exist across the watersheds and while they can work unaided manual lymph drainage (MLD) can significantly help drainage across them into unaffected lymphatic territories. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of a manual technique in moving fluids and softening hardened tissues using a tape measure and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Methods: We examined the movement of fluids from the affected limbs of lymphedema patients who underwent a standardized 30-min treatment using the Dr. Vodder method of MLD. We chose a typical cross section of patients with secondary leg or secondary arm lymphedema. The lymphedema patient was also measured after the conclusion of treatment and underwent a follow-up control measurement, within 8 weeks. Both evaluation tools indicated a movement of fluid to different and unblocked lymphatic territories as well as a softening of tissues in some of the affected limbs. Results: MLD is an effective means of fluid clearance when it accumulates as a consequence of a failure of the lymphatic system. It seems likely that MLD has a systemic effect on the lymphatic system and that it can improve flow from otherwise normal tissues. Conclusions: It is hypothesized that a series of treatments would result in even more significant improvements.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2020

Objective: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a major sequela after surgery or radiotherarpy for breast cancer. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is designed to reduce lymph swelling by facilitating lymphatic drainage. This study attempted to determine the histologic changes in the skin and subcutaneous layer, and the immediate effect of MLD in decreasing lymphedema using ultrasound imaging, which is the method used most commonly to eliminate BCRL. Design: A single-group experimental study. Methods: Five subjects who were diagnosed with hemiparetic upper extremity lymphedema more than six months after breast cancer surgery participated in the study. MLD was performed for 60 minutes in the order of the thorax, breast, axilla, and upper arm of the affected side. In order to determine the effect of MLD, ultrasound imaging and limb volume were assessed. Two measurement tools were used for asessing lymphedema thickness among the pretest, posttest, and 30-minute follow-up period. Results: Significant diferences in ultrasound imaging and upper limb volume were found between the affected side and non-affected side (p<0.05). On the affected side, although ultrasound imaging showed a significant decrease after MLD (p<0.05), there were no significant difference in upper limb volume when compared to the baseline. Conclusions: In this study, a significant decrease in lymphedema by MLD was demonstrated by ultrasound imaging, which is considered to be more useful in assessing histological changes than limb volume measurements. Further research on the protocol for eliminating lymphedema will be needed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.19-28
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to apply manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and high-frequency diathermy (HFD) to patients with axillary web syndrome (AWS), one of the side effects of breast cancer surgery, and to treat upper extremity pain, volume, function of the upper extremity, (joint range of motion; ROM, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand; DASH) and quality of life before and after treatment. It is to determine the effect of treatment by checking the level change. Methods : This study is a case series. A total of 5 patients diagnosed with AWS after breast cancer surgery voluntarily participated in this study. The intervention program consisted of stretching, MLD and HFD. It was conducted 3 times a week for 30 minutes for 4 weeks. In order to compare the effects of pain (numeric pain rating scale; NPRS), volume, upper limb function (ROM, DASH) and quality of life (the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-breast, EORTC QLQ-BR23) evaluations were compared before and after 4 weeks of intervention. All measured variables were analyzed and expressed as mean, standard deviation and percentage. Results : The shoulder NPRS level of the subjects in all case groups decreased, the volume decreased and the shoulder flexion, abduction ROM increased. It showed improvement in DASH and quality of life, QLQ-BR23. Conclusion : After breast cancer surgery, we confirmed the possibility that MLD and HFD treatments could be effective in improving pain, decreasing volume, increasing upper extremity function, and quality of life for patients who have difficulties with AWS. The possibility has been confirmed, and additional research is needed by increasing the number of participants in the experiment in the future.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) methods on muscle tone, pain, and depression in patients with breast cancer. Methods: The study had a two-group pretest-posttest design. A total of 24 patients with breast cancer voluntarily participated in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to the MLD (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Measurements of muscle tone, pain, and depression were taken prior to starting the intervention and after completing the 4 week program. The muscle tone, pain, and depression were measured using noninvasive muscle tone measuring equipment, the short-form McGill pain questionnaire, and the Beck depression inventory, respectively. The intervention was performed for 20 minutes a day, three times a week, for four weeks. A paired t-test was used to compare pretest and posttest values within each group, and an independent t-test was used to compare to pretest and posttest changes between the groups. Results: Comparison of the effects within the groups revealed significant reductions in muscle tone, pain, and depression in the MLD group after 4 weeks (p<.05), whereas the control group showed no differences. Comparison of the effects between the groups revealed significantly better reductions in muscle tone, pain, and depression in the MLD group than in the control group after 4 weeks (p<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that MLD is an effective method for reducing muscle tone, pain, and depression in patients with breast cancer.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.141-146
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• 2021

Objective: This study was at investigated the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on stress and pain in patients with postoperative breast cancer. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of twenty-two patients with postoperative breast cancer voluntarily participated in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to the MLD groups (n=12) and rest groups (n=12). The intervention was conducted in each group for twenty minutes a day, five times a week, for four weeks. Before and after the intervention, the participants measured sympathetic nerve, parasympathetic nerve, and pain by using a sphygmograph and short-form McGill pain questionnaire.An independent t-test was used to analyze pretest and posttest changes between the groups, a paired t-test was used to analyze pre-posttests within each group. Results: After analyzing, the MLD group has been shown a significant decrease in the sympathetic nervous system (p<0.05), a significant increase in the parasympathetic nervous system (p<0.05), and a significant increase in pain (p<0.05). However, the rest group was no significant difference between pre and post. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed that MLD techniques are an effective method in reducing stress and pain in patients with postoperativebreast cancer. And it is thought that can be used as basic data and to develop programs on stress and pain management reduction for patients with breast cancer.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.305-309
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• 2020

Breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common comorbidity in breast cancer survivors. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to evaluate therapeutic response of patients with various medical conditions, it is not routinely used to evaluate lymphedema patients. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify studies on the use of MRI to evaluate therapy for BCRL. We hypothesized that MRI could provide information otherwise not possible through other examinations. On October 21, 2019, we conducted a systematic review on the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases, without time frame or language limitations, to identify studies on the use of MRI to evaluate therapy for BCRL. We excluded studies that investigated other applications of MRI, such as lymphedema diagnosis and surgical planning. Of 63 potential articles identified with the search, three case series fulfilled the eligibility criteria. In total, 53 patients with BCRL were included and quantitatively evaluated with MRI before and after manual lymphatic drainage. Authors used MRI or MR lymphagiography to investigate factors such as lymphatic vessel cross-sectional area, tissue water relaxation time (T₂), and chemical exchange saturation transfer. The only study that compared MRI measurement with standard examinations reported that MRI added information to the therapy evaluation. MRI seems to be a promising tool for quantitative measurement of therapeutic response in patients with BCRL. However, the identified studies focused on only manual lymphatic drainage and were limited by the small numbers of patients. More studies are necessary to shed light on the topic.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.73-84
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• 2022

Background : Lymphedema is a progressive disorder characterized by the impairment of lymph flow from tissues to the blood circulation system. This occurs as a result of damage to the lymphatic system. Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is a multimodal, conservative therapeutic approach that is used for the management of lymphedema. CDT consists of a combination of compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and skin care. Purpose : This study aimed to provide a review of available physical therapy interventions as well as general care guidelines for patients with lymphedema. Methods : The recommendations and guidelines for physical therapy management, medical management, and general information were reviewed from the following sources: 1) The American Physical Therapy Association, 2) The Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, and 3) The International Society of Lymphology. This review contains general information, including the medical management and the importance of physical therapy in lymphedema. Physical therapy management should be based on an assessment of the patients' presenting impairments, including based on inclusion or exclusion of physical therapy interventions. This review also outlines a step-by-step approach that starts with disease diagnosis and progression all the way through to rehabilitation as an outpatient. Conclusion : Depending on the patients' journey to recovery and the requirement for rehabilitation, physical therapy interventions should focus on the patients' needs including pain, appearance, physical function and general rehabilitation. We hope that this review will provide information on evidence-based physical therapy and general care to patients with lymphedema.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.239-240
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• 2021

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4875-4883
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• 2016

Background and objective: Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a disabling complication with long term impact on quality on life after breast cancer treatment. Its management remains a major challenge for patients and health care professionals; the goal of this overview was to summarize effects of different treatment strategies for patients with BCRL. Methods: A thorough search was undertaken to allow a systematic review or meta-analysis of treatments for BCRL. Two investigators independently selected studies and abstracted the data. Results: Combined physical therapy (CPT) with different combinations of surgery, oral pharmaceuticals, low-level laser therapy, weight reduction, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, kinesio tex taping, and acupuncture might be effective in reducing lymphoedema, but exercise demonstrated no obvious benefit. The results of direct comparisons showed CPT might be more effective than standard physiotherapy (ST). Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) may not offer additional benefits to ST for swelling reduction, but could facilitate compression bandaging. MLD seemed to have similar effects with self-administered simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) or using an intermittent pneumatic compression pump (IPC). IPC might also not be associated with additional effectiveness for CPT. Efficacy of stem cell therapy vs. compression sleeve or CPT, as well as the effects of daflon and coumarin could not be established. Conclusion: Although many treatments for BCRL might reduce lymphoedema volume, their effects were not well established. The quality of many of the original studies in the included reviews was not optimal, so that in future randomized control trials are a high priority.