LIMB VOLUME REDUCTION AFTER PHYSICAL TREATMENT BY COMPRESSION AND/OR MASSAGE IN A RODENT MODEL OF PERIPHERAL LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

Lack ofa standardized experimentalcounterpart ofperipheral lymphedema (LE) ina small animal has hampered research intotreatment of this debilitating condition. Werecently refined a rodent model consisting ofradical unilateral lymphatic/nodal groinexcision in conjunction with a circumferentialintegumental gap, followed by regionalirradiation of the groin to reproduce stableunilateral hindlimb LE (1). In the currentstudy, Wistar-Fuzzy rats with established righthindlimb LE, were subdivided into five groupsand subjected to one of the following dailyphysical regimens over a 5-day period:pneumatic compression pumping at 30 torr(PCP); low-stretch multi-layered compressivebandaging using Coban (CB); manuallymphedema drainage (MLD) or a lightmassage consisting of stationary circularmotions using the fingertips; combinedphysiotherapy (CPT consisting ofMLD +CB); and a no treatment or control group(CTRL). Hindlimb and LE volumes wereserially measured before and after treatment.Whereas CTRL showed progressiveworsening of hindlimb swelling, PCP, CB,CPT and MLD each produced similar andsubstantial edema reduction over the 5 dayinterval. PCP, CB and CPT inducedvacillating edema reduction which, however,exceeded rebound swelling on a daily basis.MLD, on the other hand, showed a steadygradual daily decline in LE volume.