Effect of active resistive exercise versus manual lymphatic drainage in patients with secondary lymphedema

Mahmoud Soliman, Rawda Sami Ali; Hamed Badr, Nagwa Mohamed; Yassen, Rehab Ibrahim; Mohamed Sharabash, Asmaa Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ermhs.2025.406669.1062

	Effect of active resistive exercise versus manual lymphatic drainage in patients with secondary lymphedema
Egyptian Reviews for Medical and Health Sciences
Volume 6, Issue 1, September 2025, Page 17-26 PDF (432.73 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ermhs.2025.406669.1062
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Authors
Rawda Sami Ali Mahmoud Soliman ¹; Nagwa Mohamed Hamed Badr¹; Rehab Ibrahim Yassen²; Asmaa Mohamed Mohamed Sharabash¹
¹Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder & Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt.
²Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: Lymphedema is an abnormal extracellular accumulation of interstitial fluid containing proteins, cytokines, extravascular blood cells, and products of parenchymal and stromal cell. It occurs as a result of an insufficient lymphatic system or decreased lymphatic transport. Purpose: To compare between active resistive exercises and lymphatic drainage on upper limb size and function in patients with secondary lymphedema. Subject and methods: Thirty females diagnosed clinically by physician as having upper limb secondary lymphedema. They suffered from moderate lymphedema based on clinical investigations. Their age ranged from 40 to 50 years. They were assigned randomly into two groups (A, B) equal in number. Group A received active resistive exercises plus intermittent pneumatic compression. Group B received manual lymphatic drainage plus the intermittent pneumatic compression. Treatment sessions was three times per week for 12 weeks. Lymphedema and upper limb functions were assessed by tape measurement and the ULL-27 questionnaire after 12 weeks. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in upper limb size and function. Conclusion: Both active resistive exercises and manual lymphatic drainage were effective in the management of upper limb secondary lymphedema.
Keywords
Active Resistive Exercises; Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Secondary Lymphedema


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