INTRODUCTION: Lymphedema is the accumulation of protein interstitial fluid as a result of impaired lymphatic function, recommended the use of Complex Physical Therapy as a treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of Complex Physical Therapy on the treatment and maintenance of bilateral lower limb lymphedema. METHODS: Seven patients, aged between 59 and 85 years, with bilateral lower limb lymphedema participated in this study. The study consisted of four periods: (1) Control period - first physiotherapeutic evaluation (the patients did not receive any treatment at this stage); (2) Treatment period (reduction stage) - second evaluation and physiotherapeutic treatment (complex physical therapy); (3) Maintenance period - third evaluation, patient discharge, and complex physical therapy; and (4) follow-up period - evaluation of the last stage. The time interval bewteen evaluations was 10-12 weeks. The leg volume was calculated using leg perimeter data and the formula for the volume of a truncated cone, and ankle swelling was measured using the figure-of-eight method. RESULTS: The mean ankle measurement and leg volume at the first, second, third and fourth evaluations were 62.32 cm and 6233 ml, 62.57 cm and 6308 ml, 56.75 cm and 5505 ml, and 57 cm and 5566 ml, respectively. Figure Eight measurements and leg volumes were significantly lower at the third and fourth evaluations than at the first and second evaluations (p < 0.001), showing a significant reduction in volume and stabilization of the lymphedema during the maintenace period. CONCLUSION: The complex physical therapy was efficient in the treatment and maintenance of bilateral lower limb lymphedema.
Lymphedema; Lower extremity; Physical therapy modalities; Exercise therapy; Lymphatic system
