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

Aim: 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.

Significant Decrease in Glycated Hemoglobin, 2h-Post-Load Glucose and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index after Therapy with Manual Lymphatic Drainage

“…Each patient had their anthropometric measurements taken with the usage of the same scale. The anthropometric measurement procedure was described in detail in our previous publication [ 28 ]. The Tanita SC-240 foot-to-foot body composition analyzer (Tanita Cooperation, Tokyo, Japan) was used to assess bioelectrical impedance.…”

“…After qualification, on the first visit each patient underwent a biochemical test. The concentrations of FPG, HbA1c, hsCRP, and C peptide were measured using methods described in our previous study [ 28 ]. The 2h-PG concentrations were measured using the hexokinase method and spectrophotometry (Cobas 8000 analyzer, Roche, Basel, Switzerland).…”

“…During each physiotherapeutic visit, blood pressure was assessed (described in detail in the previous publication [ 28 ]). Each subject underwent 10 MLD therapy sessions according to Földi [ 41 ], which covered the abdominal cavity, groin region and the neck region.…”

“…However, considering the side effects of pharmacological treatment and the difficulty in maintaining a long-term restrictive diet, non-pharmacological interventions and lifestyle changes are gaining more and more attention [ 23 ]. In recent years, health care professionals have started to pay particular attention to the role of the lymphatic system in the course of obesity [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Several studies, including ours, indicate that obesity may cause pathological changes in the lymphatic system that may impair its function, and vice versa—dysregulation of the lymphatic system may lead to the pathogenesis of obesity [ 28 , 29 ].…”

“…In recent years, health care professionals have started to pay particular attention to the role of the lymphatic system in the course of obesity [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Several studies, including ours, indicate that obesity may cause pathological changes in the lymphatic system that may impair its function, and vice versa—dysregulation of the lymphatic system may lead to the pathogenesis of obesity [ 28 , 29 ]. In our preliminary studies (three cases with a 3-month follow-up), an improvement in the C-peptide concentration and lipid profile was observed, as well as reduction of inflammation and improvement in the quality of life of patients with an abnormal body mass index after manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy [ 28 ].…”