The Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on the Autonomic Nerve System

Kutahya Health Sciences University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Healthy

Treatments: Other: Manual lymph drainage

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05809726

2021/03-06

Details and patient eligibility

About

Forty healthy women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. In the single-blind randomized controlled study, the participants were divided into 3 groups manual lymphatic drainage(MLD), sham MLD, and control group. After evaluating the demographic information, blood pressure, and heart rate variability (HRV) of the participants, the cold pressure test was applied. Immediately after the test, blood pressure and HRV were re-evaluated. The MLD group received short neck, abdominal, and lymph node stimulation and right arm MLD applications. A sham protocol was applied to the sham MLD group. The control group was asked to lie on their back for 10 minutes. After the application, blood pressure and HRV were re-evaluated.

Full description

The participants included in the study were randomly divided into 3 groups; manual lymph drainage, sham manual lymph drainage, and a control group in the computer program.

Participants rested for 5 minutes before the first evaluation. The first evaluation was made after the demographic information of the participant was obtained. Within the scope of this evaluation, blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability were evaluated. All assessments were performed on the patient's dominant upper extremity. After the evaluation, cold pressure test was applied to the dominant extremity. A second assessment was made immediately after the test. All of the parameters examined within the scope of the first evaluation were examined for the second time. Appropriate treatment was applied to the group to which the participant belonged. After the treatment, the third evaluation was made and the study was terminated. All participants were asked to avoid exercise, caffeine, energy drinks, and heavy meals at least 1 hour before the test. Environmental noise, light, and temperature were controlled during the test.

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• being over 18 years of age
• being voluntary to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• having advanced cardiorespiratory diseases
• orthopedic and neurological problems
• using medication related to pain
• cardiovascular system, having skin disorders that prevent skin contact
• having cold urticaria

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Factorial Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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40 participants in 3 patient groups

Manual lymph drainage group

Experimental group

Description:

Manual lymph drainage; neck drainage, abdominal drainage, stimulation of axillary lymph nodes, and right arm drainage were performed by following a special technique and sequence. MLD was applied in a comfortable position while the patient was lying in the supine position. It took an average of 20 minutes.

Treatment:

Other: Manual lymph drainage

Sham manual lymph drainage group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Sham manual lymph drainage; deep pressure was applied from distal to proximal with rapid movements to the right extremity to which the cold pressure test was applied. Fingers, dorsal and palmar surfaces of the hand, forearm, elbow, and upper arm were applied in order. The application was performed while the patient was lying in the supine position and lasted an average of 20 minutes.

Treatment:

Other: Manual lymph drainage

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in the control group were asked to lie on their backs for 10 minutes without speaking in a quiet, calm environment. At the end of 10 minutes, the patient was placed in a sitting position again and the third evaluation was performed.