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Evaluation of Fluid Overload by Bioelectrical Impedance Vectorial Analysis
Published on: August 17, 2022
Evaluation of lymph drainage using bioelectrical impedance of the body
J M P de Godoy1, F M Valente, L M Azoubel
1Rua Floriano Peixoto, São José do Rio Preto-SP, Brazil. godoyjmp@riopreto.com.br
Insights
Manual and mechanical lymph drainage significantly altered body composition in patients with lower limb lymphoedema. The combined treatment reduced oedema in both affected and unaffected legs.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation and tissue changes in the limbs.
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive method to assess body composition.
- Understanding the effects of therapeutic interventions on body composition is crucial for managing lymphoedema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of combined manual and mechanical lymph drainage on the bioelectrical composition of body tissues.
- To assess changes in both lymphoedematous and healthy limbs following the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 21 patients with unilateral lower limb lymphoedema participated in the study.
- Single frequency bioelectrical impedance with four electrodes (SF-BIA4) was used for measurements.
- Measurements were taken immediately before and after a combined manual and mechanical lymph drainage session.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in bioelectrical impedance parameters were observed in both lymphoedematous and healthy legs post-treatment.
- No significant differences were found in the magnitude of treatment-induced alterations between the healthy and lymphoedematous limbs.
- The combined therapy demonstrated a reduction in oedema.
Conclusions:
- Combined manual and mechanical lymph drainage effectively modifies body composition as assessed by bioelectrical impedance.
- This therapeutic approach leads to a reduction in oedema in patients with lower limb lymphoedema.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual and mechanical lymph drainage on the bioelectrical composition of body tissues of patients with lymphoedema of the lower limbs.
Method:
Twenty-one patients with lymphoedema of one leg were evaluated using single frequency bioelectrical impedance with four electrodes (SF-BIA4) immediately before and after a combination of manual and mechanical lymph drainage. Statistical analysis used the two-tailed paired t-test with an alpha error of 5% being considered acceptable.
Results:
On comparing the results before and after lymph drainage, statistically significant differences were identified for both lymphoedematous and apparently healthy legs, but there were no significant differences in the alterations caused by the treatment between the healthy and lymphoedematous limbs of the same patient.
Conclusion:
It was concluded that the association of manual and mechanical lymph drainage both modified the body composition as identified by bioelectrical impedance, and reduced the oedema.
