Cancer Circulatory System Respiratory Surgery lymphedema Cardiology
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1 Body Acupuncture as the primary treatment.
Group 2 Body Acupuncture along with Local Acupuncture
Sponsors
Alaa
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Female
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Inclusion Criteria:* 1. *Age:* Patients aged 60 and above (geriatrics). 2. *Diagnosis:* Diagnosed with post-mastectomy lymphedema, preferably after breast cancer treatment. 3. *Gender:* Female patients, since the study focuses on post-mastectomy lymphedema. 4. *Lymphedema Severity:* Mild to moderate lymphedema based on a standard clinical evaluation. 5. *Acupuncture Suitability:* No contraindications to acupuncture or moxibustion therapy. 6. *Consent:* Patients must give informed consent to participate in the study and commit to attending the scheduled sessions. 7. *Health Status:* Stable general health (no serious comorbidities such as heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.) to avoid confounding factors.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: *Exclusion Criteria:* 1. *Severe Lymphedema:* Severe or advanced lymphedema that would not benefit from acupuncture. 2. *Active Cancer:* Patients currently undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, etc.). 3. *Contraindications to Acupuncture:* Any condition where acupuncture or moxibustion is contraindicated (e.g., active infections, certain skin conditions, or bleeding disorders). 4. *Previous Treatments:* Patients with prior acupuncture or other alternative treatments for lymphedema are eligible if their condition has not significantly improved or if they are not currently receiving ongoing treatments. 5. *Cognitive Impairment:* Patients with cognitive dysfunction or mental health issues that would hinder their ability to participate in the study. 6. *Lymphatic Disorders:* Patients with primary lymphedema or other non-cancer-related lymphatic conditions. 7. *Medication Interference:* Patients on medications that significantly interfere with the immune system or wound healing, which could confound study results. 8. *Other Acute Conditions:* Patients with any acute or systemic illness (e.g., severe infections, fever) at the time of recruitment. 9. *Non-Compliance Risk:* Patients who may not be able to attend all study sessions or follow post-treatment instructions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| *Reduction in Lymphedema Volume: by tape measurement circumference - Measured by comparing the volume of the affected limb(s) before and after the treatment. This will be assessed using the *circumferential measurement* technique or *bioimpedance spectroscopy* to quantify changes in limb swelling. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. *Pain Reduction:* - Measured using a *Visual Analog Scale (VAS)* or *Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)* to assess changes in pain levels before and after the treatment. 2. *Quality of Life Improvement:* - Assessed using a *Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL)* questionnaire or another relevant quality of life tool, which evaluates physical, emotional, and social well-being in patients with lymphedema. 3. *Patient Satisfaction with Treatment:* - Evaluated through a *Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ)* or similar tool to gauge how the patient feels about the treatment's effectiveness and comfort level with acupuncture. | — |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
Public ContactAmir Nazih Wadee Mawad
Professor of physical therapy department of basic science and Dean of Pharos University
Outcome results
None listed