Favourable Changes in C-Peptide, C-Reactive Protein and Lipid Profile, and Improved Quality of Life in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index after the Use of Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A Case Series with Three-Month Follow-Up

Abstract

to try to assess the effect of manual lymphatic drainage on the biochemical parameters and quality of life of patients with abnormal body mass index. The study included three women, average age 46 years (patient 1 with normal body weight as a control; patient 2: overweight; patient 3 with class 2 obesity). After qualification, physiotherapeutic interview and examination was carried out; the concentrations of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profile, and quality of life were also examined. Additionally, in patients with abnormal body mass index, biochemical parameters were monitored for 3 months. Each patient underwent 10 manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy sessions, three times a week for 30 min. In the overweight patient (patient 2), a decrease in the concentration of C-peptide, hsCRP and triglycerides was observed after the series of MLD therapy. An improvement in the quality of life, intestinal motility, and a reduction in the frequency of flatulence were also noted. Moreover, after the therapy, patient 2 reported better sleep and increased vitality. In contrast, in patient 3 (with grade 2 obesity), a decrease in triglyceride levels, but not other biomarkers, was detected after the series of MDL therapy. Additionally, in patient 3, an improvement in the quality of life, an improvement in intestinal peristalsis, and reduction of menstrual pain were observed after MLD therapy. For comparison, in a patient with a normal body weight as a control (patient 1), there were no changes in biochemical parameters or improvement in the quality of life after MLD therapy. Our preliminary research indicates improvement of the concentration C-peptide, lipid profile, a reduction in the inflammation, and improved quality of life in patients with abnormal body mass index after MLD therapy. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the effectiveness of MLD therapy in patients with varying degrees of abnormal body mass index, i.e., from overweight to obesity.

Keywords: dyslipidaemia; low-grade inflammation; manual lymphatic drainage; obesity; overweight; quality of life.

Figure 1

Dysfunction of the lymphatic system in obesity. Modified Figure 1 [24]. Abbreviations: ↑—increase, ↓—decrease.

Figure 2

Participant flow diagram.

Figure 3

Pretreatment: Manual lymphatic drainage of the neck; effleurage: superficial strokes from the sternum to the acromion (a); stationary circles in the supraclavicular fossa on the lower deep cervical lymph nodes (b); stationary circles from the mandibular angle, over the upper and lower deep cervical lymph nodes (c); stationary circle along the nuchal line, occipital lymph nodes (d); stationary circles in front of and be-hind the ear (e); stationary circles from the acromion posteriorly to the spine of the scapula to the supraclavicular fossa (f); stationary circles in the supraclavicular fossa (g); superficial strokes from the sternum to the acromion (h).

Figure 4

Manual lymphatic drainage of the abdomen; effleurage: during inhalation, rotary technique from the pubic bone to the sternum (a); during exhalation, rotary technique from the costal arch and the iliac crest back toward the pubic bone (b); circles over the cisterna chili and the course of the large intestine (c); stationary circles over the descending (d), ascending (e) and transverse colon(f) withthe pressure applied in the direction of the cisterna chili; stroke of seven: circular strokes over the descending colon from the spleen area to the bladder (g); circular strokes over the ascending colon to the liver area (h); stationary circles over the naval and return to the spleen area (i);therapy of the iliac lymph nodes (j).

Figure 5

Abdominal deep drainage: on the naval (a); parallel to the left costal arch (b); parallel to the left inguinal ligament (c); parallel to the left costal arch (d); on the naval (e); parallel to the right costal arch (f); parallel to the right inguinal ligament (g); parallel to the right costal arch (h); on the naval (i); conclusion effleurage with breathing.