Conclusion
"Used on a frequent basis, the Chi Machine™ has great potential in Health Maintenance and Disease Management in those who suffer from Secondary Lymphoedema and Venous Oedema of the legs."
Professor Pillar, Flinders University
|
Results for Secondary Lymphoedema Group
- 33 chronic Secondary Lymphoedema sufferers
- 28 females and 5 males (aged 39 - 88yrs)
- Affected leg =
Both 45.5%
Left 36.5%
Right 18%
- Condition predominantly caused through cancer surgery - bowel, cervix, melanoma, prostate.
Average Weight Loss in 3 weeks
Average fluid Loss in legs in 3 weeks
- 11.16 fluid oz.
- Steady fluid loss followed by some fluid return after treatment ceased.
- Fluid loss is both clinically and statistically significant
Average circumference reduction in legs in 3 weeks
- 0.4 cms
- Although small, there was a steady reduction over 3 weeks of treatment.
Results of the Lymphoscintigraphy Scans
- This scan involves injecting dye into the feet and scanning of the legs over 5 hours to assess lymphatic function.
- 8 Secondary Lymphoedema patients volunteered to under go this procedure before and after treatment.
- In those who responded positively to the machine the scans showed a remarkable improvement in the lymphatic function of the effected leg.
- Improvement in lymphatic function is linked with fluid loss, limb reduction and symptom improvement.
- The scans also helped to determine why some patients didn’t respond to the machine as expected.
Improvements in Leg Symptoms
(smaller numbers are better)
|
Symptom
|
Initial
|
Final
|
1 month
|
| Pain |
3.7
|
2.0
|
3.5
|
| Tightness |
6.0
|
2.0
|
5.0
|
| Heaviness |
5.0
|
2.0
|
5.0
|
| Skin dryness |
4.0
|
2.0
|
1.0
|
| Limb size |
7.0
|
5.0
|
5.0
|
Patients were asked to grade these symptoms from 1 to 10. Patients had good symptom control while using the machine, some of these symptoms returned once treatment ceased. Many where happy to gain relief from these symptoms.
|
Improvements in Quality of Life (%)
| Range of movement |
55% |
| Increase in ability to exercise |
36% |
| Walking up/down stairs |
27% |
| Improvement in sleeping |
21% |
| Easier to get dressed |
15% |
| Positive impact on daily life |
45% |
| Decrease in depression |
21% |
| Satisfaction with treatment regime |
85% |
| Feeling of control over condition |
67% |
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