The Effect of Combined Decongestive Therapy and Pneumatic Compression Pump on Body Image in Patients With Lymphedema
Condition: Lymphedema
MeSH terms: Lymphedema
Study type: Interventional
Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2

Summary: 
      Patients with lymphedema may experience pain and body image issues. This study investigates
      the effect of Combined Decongestive Therapy and pneumatic compression pump on body image in
      patients with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment.42 women with breast cancer
      related lymphedema participated. All patients completed the body image and relationships
      scale. Researchers divided the participants randomly into an intervention (n=21) or control
      group (n=21). In the first phase, CDT was accompanied by use of a compression pump for four
      weeks, three days per week. In the second phase, Combined DecongestiveTherapy was performed
      daily without compression pump for four weeks by patients at home. At the end of each phase,
      both groups completed the questionaire. Researchers analyzed the data with SPSS v.17.
    

Detailed description: 
      Background:

      Lymphedema is a common complication for breast cancer therapy. Patients with lymphedema may
      experience pain and body image issues. This study investigates the effect of Combined
      Decongestive Therapy and pneumatic compression pump on body image in patients with lymphedema
      secondary to breast cancer treatment.

      methods: 42 women with breast cancer related lymphedema participated. All patients completed
      the body image and relationships scale. Researchers divided the participants randomly into an
      intervention (n=21) or control group (n=21). A certified nurse worked on Combined
      Decongestive Therapy in the intervention group in two phases. In the first phase, CDT was
      accompanied by use of a compression pump for four weeks, three days per week. In the second
      phase, CDT was performed daily without compression pump for four weeks by patients at home.
      At the end of each phase, both groups completed the questionaire. Researchers analyzed the
      data with SPSS v.17.
    

Intervention name(s): combined decongestive therapy; pneumatic compression pump
Intervention type(s): Other; Device
Intervention description(s): Patients in the intervention group received treatment with combined decongestive therapy and pneumatic compression pump. Patients in the control group received no treatment for lymphedema but were placed on the waiting list for combined decongestive therapy and pneumatic compression pump as soon as possible after the 8 weeks follow-up period.; Intermittent pneumatic pump or pressure therapy is not as a part of CDT, but it can be used as an adjunct method. This device intermittently and according to a specific program is air filled and emptied. The device leads the lymphatic fluid from distal to the proximal part of extremities and then to the trunk
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Lymphedema secondary to breast cancer; Breast cancer; Body image