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Increased lymphatic flow in the thoracic duct during manipulative intervention
E Marty Knott1, Johnathan D Tune, Scott T Stoll
1University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Integrative Physiology, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2644, USA. eknott@hsc.unt.edu
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|November 30, 2005
Summary
Osteopathic manipulative lymphatic pump techniques, including the thoracic pump and abdominal pump, significantly increase thoracic duct lymph flow. These findings support the use of these techniques for enhancing lymphatic circulation.
Area of Science:
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine
- Lymphatic physiology
- Cardiovascular physiology
Background:
- Osteopathic manipulative (OM) lymphatic pump techniques are commonly used to treat infections.
- A professional belief exists that increasing lymphatic flow is beneficial.
- Objective measurements of lymph flow during OM lymphatic pump techniques were previously unreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify thoracic duct lymph flow (TDF) and cardiac variables during OM thoracic pump and abdominal pump techniques.
- To compare the effects of OM lymphatic pump techniques with physical activity on TDF.
Main Methods:
- Five mongrel dogs were surgically instrumented to measure TDF and cardiac variables.
- TDF and cardiac variables were recorded during 30-second sessions of thoracic and abdominal pump techniques.
- Measurements were also taken during treadmill exercise at 3 mph with 0% incline.
Main Results:
- Abdominal pump increased TDF from 1.57 to 4.80 mL/min; thoracic pump increased TDF from 1.20 to 3.45 mL/min.
- Treadmill exercise increased TDF from 1.47 to 5.81 mL/min.
- Cardiac variables showed no significant change during OM techniques but increased during exercise.
Conclusions:
- Both physical activity and OM lymphatic pump techniques (thoracic and abdominal) result in significant increases in thoracic duct lymph flow.
- These findings provide objective evidence supporting the efficacy of these OM techniques in augmenting lymphatic circulation.