Bordin, N.A., Guerreiro Godoy Mde, F., & Pereira de Godoy, J.M. (2009). Mechanical lymphatic drainage in the treatment of arm lymphedema. Indian Journal of Cancer, 46(4), 337–339.

To evaluate a method of mechanical lymphatic drainage using the RAGodoy apparatus

Lymphedema was confirmed with lymphoscintigraph and volumetry and defined as a difference in arm volumes of more than 200 ml. Patients had a one-hour session with the RAGodoy mechanical apparatus, which provides 15–25 elbow bending and stretching exercises per minute. Pre- and post-treatment volumetry was taken.

• The study sample was comprised of female patients with breast cancer who were experiencing arm lymphedema.
• The sample age range was 42–86 years.

The study took place at a single outpatient site in Brazil.

The study used a prospective trial design.

The reduction in the volume was an average of 59.2 ml (p < 0.001). In two cases, there was an increase in volume with the intervention. In the remaining 23, there was a decrease in volume. It appeared that for those where there was an increase, the patients did not fully allow the device to passively work.

Passive mechanical exercise for lymphatic drainage may be helpful in the management of lymphedema

• The sample size was small, with less than 30 participants.
• The report was brief with limited data and sample characteristics provided.
• The apparatus appeared to have been developed by the authors, so potential for bias must be considered.
• The study reported on single use only; repeated or longer-term use of the approach is unknown.

Use of a device for provision of passive limb exercise in the management of lymphedema requires further study.