The Effects of PNF Techniques on Lymphoma in the Upper Limbs

[Purpose] The purpose of this study were to identify whether painless dynamic PNF techniques can reduce lymphedema, and to provide basic reference data for use in the treatment of lymphedema patients. [Subjects] This experiment was conducted from March 2012 to July 2012 at Busan University Hospital D. The subjects were upper extremity lymphedema patients who were receiving rehabilitation treatment. Those with dual lymphedema site pain or who did not want to participate in the experiment were excluded. [Methods] A total of 40 women participated in this study, and they received PNF techniques before the application of lymph compression bandages. Group 1 of 20 subjects were adminstered PNF techniques three times a week for 30 minutes each time. Group 2 of 20 subjects only edema reducing massage for 30 minutes. [Results] The interaction between treatment method and treatment time was significant, which indicates that the change in edema at different measurement times was different according to treatment methods. In this study, Group 1 had a steeper rate of decline in edema than Group 2. [Conclusion] In conclusion, both massage and PNF techniques helped to lower edema rates. Four weeks after the beginning of treatment, a larger degree of decline in edema was exhibited in the PNF group than in the massage group.