IMPRESS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for treating lower limb lymphoedema: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
222508
Contact name
Mark Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of South Wales
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 0 days
Research summary
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body tissues due to a build up of fluid. Although it can affect all of the body, it is more commonly seen in the arms or legs. The consequences of lymphoedema are not only seen from a physical perspective, such as experiencing pain and reduced mobility, but from a psychological perspective as well, from altered body image and the difficulty of finding clothes to fit.
The gold standard treatment for lymphoedema is Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT). There are four components to DLT; compression, skin care, exercise and lymph drainage. Unfortunately DLT isn't universally available and some patients find the compression difficult to tolerate.
Intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC) offer an alternative treatment for compression bandages/garments as the device exerts a lower pressure to the limb. Huntleigh have developed an innovative IPC treatment regime (LymphAssist) which can be used in the home environment. It is anticipated the use of this device could improve concordance due to significantly less disruption to the patient’s everyday life and the greater degree of control they could have over their treatment.
Research evidence regarding the effectiveness of IPC for the treatment of lymphoedema is limited hence the IMPRESS study aims to look at the effectiveness of the LymphAssist in terms of reducing limb volume and lymphoedema complications and improving quality of life.
Individuals with confirmed diagnosis of stage II or III lower limb lymphoedema will be invited to join the study. Once consented onto the study they will be randomised into the control group (n=10) or the intervention group (n=10). Both groups will undertake the normal home management routine, but the intervention group will also be provided with the LymphAssist. Each participant will be remain in the study for a 6 month period.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
17/WA/0076
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion