TY - JOUR AB - <p>Lack of a standardized experimental counterpart of peripheral lymphedema (LE) in a small animal has hampered research into treatment of this debilitating condition. We recently refined a rodent model consisting of radical unilateral lymphatic/nodal groin excision in conjunction with a circumferential integumental gap, followed by regional irradiation of the groin to reproduce stable unilateral hindlimb LE (1). In the current study, Wistar-Fuzzy rats with established right hindlimb LE, were subdivided into five groups and subjected to one of the following daily physical regimens over a 5-day period: pneumatic compression pumping at 30 torr (PCP); low-stretch multi-layered compressive bandaging using Coban (CB); manual lymphedema drainage (MLD) or a light massage consisting of stationary circular motions using the fingertips; combined physiotherapy (CPT consisting of MLD + CB); and a no treatment or control group (CTRL). Hindlimb and LE volumes were serially measured before and after treatment.</p> <p>Whereas CTRL showed progressive worsening of hindlimb swelling, PCP, CB, CPT and MLD each produced similar and substantial edema reduction over the 5 day interval. PCP, CB and CPT induced vacillating edema reduction which, however,exceeded rebound swelling on a daily basis. MLD, on the other hand, showed a steady gradual daily decline in LE volume.</p> AU - B Kriederman, T Myloyde, MJ Bernas, L Lee-Donaldson, S Preciado, M Lynch, BD Stea, PM Summers, CL Witte, MH Witte DA - 2002/8// IS - 1 VL - 35 PB - International Society of Lymphology and the University of Arizona Libraries PY - 2002 TI - LIMB VOLUME REDUCTION AFTER PHYSICAL TREATMENT BY COMPRESSION AND/OR MASSAGE IN A RODENT MODEL OF PERIPHERAL LYMPHEDEMA T2 - Lymphology UR - http://journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu/lymph/article/id/3443/ ER -