Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Selcuk University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Upper Extremity Functionality in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatments: Other: manual lymphatic drainage; Other: excersize

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05529537

2022/08-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints and tendon sheaths. As a result of synovitis, progressive damage occurs in cartilage, bone and joints. This damage leads to severe functional limitations and deterioration in quality of life. Synovial tissues are the main site of involvement. Manual lymph drainage reduces the levels of inflammatory mediators associated with edema and pain in the acute phase. On the basis of this concept; Stimulating the lymph system and increasing circulation, removing biochemical residues, regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic system responses, and thus reducing edema and pain. The increase in cardiac parasympathetic activity measured after MLD also contributes to relaxation. In addition to the transport of lymphatic fluid, manual lymph drainage stimulates free nerve endings in the skin with the touches it contains. Gentle stimulation to the skin increases tactile input and closes the pain pathways. In addition, the superficial relaxation and warming provided by soft stimulation creates an effect on the autonomic nervous system and activates the parasympathetic system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage on upper extremity functionality in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Enrollment: 39 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 25 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with RA according to ACR criteria
• Being between the ages of 18-65
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of neuromuscular disease
• Having difficulty walking
• Cognitive impairment
• Having systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis
• History of upper extremity sIf you have Hand Deformity

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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39 participants in 2 patient groups

control

Active Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: excersize

MLD

Experimental group

Treatment:

Other: excersize

Other: manual lymphatic drainage