Abstract
In this issue of Lymphatic Research and Biology, several of the published manuscripts highlight the impact of lymphedema upon lower extremity and systemic functionality.
In the first of these, Cakir and colleagues have compared the function of 28 subjects with lower extremity lymphedema to a matched cohort of normal subjects. The subjects were assessed with the following parameters: lymphedema severity, as determined by circumference measurements, hand-held dynamometry, functional mobility, lower extremity strength, lower extremity functional scale, Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form for physical activity level. Significant correlations among health-related and disease-specific variables were identified on the 6-minute walk test, with lymphedema severity, hip abduction muscle strength, and lower limb functionality proving to be predictive of functional performance on the test.
In a related context, the article of Gün et al. reports an assessment of motor function in a cohort of 24 lymphedema subjects, following a course of complex decongestive therapy. Here, while a foot-tapping test was not affected by the interposed lymphedema therapy, gait speed and both single and dual task speed were favorably and significantly improved.
Finally, Demir and Aydin publish here an investigation of the effect of lower extremity lymphedema on respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, physical activity, and functionality. The authors demonstrate that, while inspiratory muscle strength and physical activity levels were comparable to healthy control subjects, the presence of lymphedema adversely affected respiratory function, expiratory muscle strength, and overall functionality.
In summary, this series of investigations underscores not only the functional importance of lymphedema as a morbid condition but also, and in a very promising fashion, the salutary effects of therapeutic intervention.