A qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation of the experiences of men diagnosed with chronic lymphoedema

Cooper-Stanton, Garry; Gale, Nicola; Sidhu, Manbinder; Allen, Kerry

doi:10.1177/17449871221088791

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 37 publications

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“…Conversely, the control group experienced improvement in only some symptoms—swelling, leg heaviness, and pain—without statistical significance. Given that individuals with lower limb lymphedema often struggle with prolonged standing or walking,30,31 the utilization of unstable-soled footwear might facilitate these activities. Our study's intervention group demonstrated a reduction in the prevalence of cramps and paresthesias, potentially contributing to eased standing and walking.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Influence of Unstable Footwear on Lower Limb Lymphedema

Robledo-Donascimento,

López-Mesa,

Rubio-Alonso

et al. 2024

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

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Introduction: Unstable shoes may benefit lower limb lymphedema patients by reducing foot volume and relieving symptoms. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of unstable shoes versus conventional sports shoes in managing lower limb lymphedema, focusing on changes in foot volume, circumference, and symptom relief. Methods: We conducted an 8-week clinical trial, recruiting patients with lower limb lymphedema. Participants were divided into 2 groups: one using unstable shoes and the other using conventional sports shoes. Measurements of foot volume and circumference were taken at the beginning and end of the trial. Additionally, participants were asked to report any changes in leg cramps and paraesthesia during the study period. Results: The results indicated a nonstatistically significant tendency toward a decrease in foot volume and circumference in the intervention group using unstable shoes. In contrast, the control group using conventional sports shoes showed a tendency toward an increase in foot volume and a statistically significant increase in foot circumference. Moreover, participants in the unstable shoes group reported a decrease in leg cramps and paraesthesia, indicating potential symptom relief. Conclusions: This study suggests that unstable shoes have the potential to offer benefits to individuals with lower limb lymphedema, particularly in terms of foot volume reduction and symptom relief. The use of unstable shoes may be suitable for activities such as walking and extended periods of standing. However, further research is necessary to explore their full potential and effectiveness in managing lymphedema symptoms comprehensively.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Influence of Unstable Footwear on Lower Limb Lymphedema

Robledo-Donascimento,

López-Mesa,

Rubio-Alonso

et al. 2024

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

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Addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion in JBI qualitative systematic reviews: a methodological scoping review

Evans,

Hassanein,

Bains

et al. 2024

JBI Evidence Synthesis

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Objective:The objective of this methodological scoping review was to investigate ways in which qualitative review teams are addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the process of conducting and reporting qualitative systematic reviews that use JBI guidelines.Introduction:To promote health equity, there is a need for evidence synthesis processes and practices to develop approaches that incorporate EDI. Some guidance is available to guide equity-focused review methods and reporting, but this is primarily oriented to quantitative systematic reviews. There is currently limited knowledge about how review teams are addressing EDI within qualitative evidence syntheses.Inclusion criteria:This review included English-language qualitative systematic reviews, published in 2022, that used all the steps outlined in JBI guidance for qualitative reviews.Methods:A 1-year sample of published reviews was identified from a search undertaken on March 17, 2023, of 2 health care databases: MEDLINE (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCOhost). Data extraction followed a framework approach, using an adapted preexisting equity template. This included attention to i) the reporting of a range of characteristics associated with EDI, ii) search approaches, and iii) analytical approaches (including reflexivity, intersectionality, and knowledge user engagement). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative summary.Results:Forty-three reviews met the inclusion criteria. The majority of reviews (n=30) framed their questions and aims in a generic/universal (rather than EDI-focused) way. Six reviews justified their population focus in terms of an EDI-related issue. Only one review included a knowledge user. The sociodemographic and other key characteristics of the samples in underpinning studies were poorly reported, making it hard to discern EDI-related issues or to undertake EDI-related analyses. Thirteen of the reviews included non-English-language evidence sources, and 31 reviews included gray literature sources. Ten reviews demonstrated an element of intersectional or otherwise critical approaches within their analyses of categories and synthesized findings (whereby issues of power and/or representation were explicitly considered). Only 8 reviews included discussions of review team composition and reflexivity within the review process.Conclusions:This EDI-focused methodological enquiry has highlighted some limitations within current qualitative evidence synthesis practice. Without closer attention to EDI, there is a danger that systematic reviews may simply serve to amplify, rather than illuminate, existing gaps, silences, and inequitable knowledge claims based on dominant representations. This review sets out a range of suggestions to help qualitative evidence synthesis teams to more systematically embed EDI within their methods and practices.Review Registration:Open Science Framework https://osf.io/wy5kv/

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Experiences of men with non-cancer related lymphoedema UK-based online survey. Part two: findings and discussion

Cooper-Stanton,

Gale,

Sidhu

et al. 2024

Br J Community Nurs

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This article is the second instalment in the series. The preceding article detailed the background, methodology and methods, while the current article delves into the study's findings and alignment with the broader literature. The study aimed to explore the research question: ‘how do men perceive their engagement in the self-management of non-cancer-related lymphoedema?’ Upon completing an online survey based on the validated lymphoedema quality of life tool (LYMQoL), the gathered data underwent narrative thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: Theme 1 explored the strategies men use to address the psychological impact of self-care, including physical concealment. Theme 2 focused on the use of physical control as a method for managing perceived vulnerability. Theme 3 centred on relationships within self-care. The findings shed light on the intricate nature of self-care in the context of lymphoedema and its impact on masculinity. These insights resonate with existing literature, emphasising the use of available resources driven by the perceived vulnerability men experience in their lives.

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A qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation of the experiences of men diagnosed with chronic lymphoedema

Cited by 5 publications

References 37 publications

Assessing the Influence of Unstable Footwear on Lower Limb Lymphedema

Assessing the Influence of Unstable Footwear on Lower Limb Lymphedema

Addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion in JBI qualitative systematic reviews: a methodological scoping review

Experiences of men with non-cancer related lymphoedema UK-based online survey. Part two: findings and discussion

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