Furthermore, no studies have examined IPC as a home treatment. ![]() Newer IPC devices have been designed to mimic MLD but have not yet been evaluated in research studies. ![]() However, it can be both cost and time intensive for clinicians and patients alike, and it is not always accessible due to an insufficient number of trained therapists. MLD is a specialised massage technique that helps stimulate the lymphatic system and encourages the flow of lymph fluid. This, however, does not mimic the MLD process, which starts with the unaffected lymph nodes and region of the body and moves proximally to distally. Historically, IPC pumps have used sequential cycles to provide a peristaltic massaging effect along the limb towards its root. Whilst early studies suggested that MLD and IPC are equally as effective in reducing upper limb oedema, studies examining sequential IPC as a treatment for lower limb lymphoedema demonstrated a lack of consensus with regard to treatment parameters. Research regarding the efficacy of IPC is limited. Pumps vary in timing cycles and amount of pressure produced, ranging from low-pressure, slow-inflation to high-pressure, rapid-inflation devices. Multiple-chamber garments typically provide sequential compression in an ascending pattern up the limb. IPC devices consist of pneumatic cuffs that are incorporated into a compression garment, which is connected to a pump and applied to the limb. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy can be considered as an adjunct for DLT. Such treatment is based on decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) which is a combination of manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression therapy, exercises and skin care this is accepted internationally as the gold standard for successful lymphoedema management. Presently, there is no cure for lymphoedema instead, current treatment is aimed at lifelong management to help control symptoms. Key characteristics of lymphoedema include an increase in limb size and skin changes, as well as increased limb heaviness and pain, which have negative sequelae for both physical and psychosocial health. It can affect any part of the body but usually occurs in the arms or legs and has an estimated prevalence of between 2.29 and 3.59 cases per 1000 of the general population in the UK. This occurs as a result of lymphatic failure which can be genetic in origin (primary lymphoedema) or a consequence of damage to the lymphatics usually by trauma, inflammation and damage of the lymph nodes (secondary lymphoedema). Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body tissues due to an excess accumulation of protein-rich fluid called lymph. This trial is registered with ( NCT03825263). This feasibility study identified that a larger randomised controlled trial investigating the efficacy of home use IPC devices is feasible with modifications to the study protocol. In addition, supplementary primary outcome measures that are important to the study population were identified and will be incorporated into the design of future studies. Issues relating to potential recruitment bias and study attrition were identified and possible solutions explored. The study recruited to target within the planned time frame with a retention rate of 80%. A bilateral lower limb assessment and quality of life survey were undertaken at baseline and 3- and 6-month time points. The control group received their standard lymphoedema care only for a 6-month period, whereas the intervention group received their standard lymphoedema care plus an IPC device to use for 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group ( nā=ā10) or intervention group ( nā=ā10). The primary objective was to assess feasibility in terms of (1) study feasibility, including recruitment, retention and assessment of outcome measures, and (2) intervention feasibility, including intervention fidelity and acceptability to participants. Twenty participants were recruited from an outpatient lymphoedema clinic (South Wales, UK) to a feasibility randomised control trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of an IPC device (LymphAssist, Huntleigh Healthcare) in reducing lower limb volume. ![]() Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy can be considered as an adjunct to standard lymphoedema care however, research regarding the efficacy of this treatment modality is limited. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body tissues.
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