In 2011, Mariana, et. al., conducted a study to investigate the potential benefits of combining mechanical lymph drainage with heat in the treatment of lower limb lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Thermotherapy, the use of heat, has been suggested as a possible treatment for lymphedema due to its potential to enhance lymph transportation.

The study, a cross-over randomized trial, involved seven patients (two males and five females) ranging in age from 18 to 79 years, with a mean age of 48.5 years. A total of 38 assessments were conducted, with 19 sessions involving mechanical lymph drainage alone and 19 sessions combining mechanical lymph drainage with thermotherapy. Heat was applied to the legs using an electric blanket.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments, the volume of the patients’ legs was measured using water plethysmography before and after each treatment session. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test, with a significance level of p = 0.05.

The results of the study did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences between mechanical lymph drainage alone and the combination of lymph drainage with thermotherapy. These findings suggest that the addition of heat during mechanical lymph drainage did not have an obvious synergistic effect on lymphedema treatment in the immediate post-treatment period.

While previous research had indicated that a temperature of 40°C increased lymph transportation compared to other temperatures tested, this study did not observe a similar effect when heat was combined with mechanical lymph drainage. These results contrast with some earlier suggestions that thermotherapy could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for lymphedema.

In conclusion, this study found limited evidence to support the synergistic effect of heat when combined with mechanical lymph drainage in the treatment of lower limb lymphedema. Further research is warranted to explore other potential modalities or combination therapies that may yield more significant improvements in lymphedema management.

Reference: Mariana, V. F., De Fátima, G. G. M., & Maria, P. D. G. J. (2011). The effect of mechanical lymph drainage accompanied with heat on lymphedema. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 16(11), 1448.