The Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Self-Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by an experienced physiotherapist using classical MLD techniques. The intervention will include the basic regions and the upper and lower extremities using gentle, rhythmic maneuvers that support lymphatic circulation. Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes. The intervention will be performed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle for 2 weeks, three sessions per week, for a total of six sessions.

Self-Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Self-MLD): Participants will be taught simple and safe self-manual lymphatic drainage techniques under the supervision of a physiotherapist. They will perform the techniques at home according to the predetermined protocol. The frequency, duration, and application procedure will be explained in detail, and correct performance will be supported through online or face-to-face follow-up when necessary. The intervention will be performed during the luteal phase for 2 weeks, three sessions per week, for a total of six sessions.

Sham Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Sham MLD): Participants will be positioned in the same manner as for classical MLD. Very light and irregular rhythmic touches that are not intended to increase lymphatic flow and are expected to have minimal therapeutic effect will be applied solely to provide tactile contact. The duration and schedule of the sham intervention will be matched to the study intervention protocol.

Study summary

This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), self-manual lymphatic drainage (self-MLD), and sham MLD on autonomic nervous system activity and premenstrual symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A total of 60 women with PMS will be randomly assigned to three groups: MLD, self-MLD, or sham MLD. The intervention will be conducted during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle for 2 weeks, with three sessions per week, for a total of six sessions. Outcomes will include premenstrual symptoms, heart rate and heart rate variability, blood pressure, pain, edema, quality of life, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress. Assessments will be performed at predetermined time points before, during, and after the intervention to compare the acute and overall effects of the three approaches.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms Assessed by the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) — Baseline, after the third session (approximately 1 week), and immediately after the sixth session (2 weeks)
  Premenstrual symptoms will be assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The PMSS consists of 44 items across nine subdimensions: depressive affect, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, depressive thoughts, pain, appetite changes, sleep changes, and bloating. Each item is scored from 1 to 5. The total score ranges from 44 to 220, with higher scores indicating greater severity of premenstrual symptoms.
• Heart Rate Variability - High-Frequency (HF) Power — Baseline, immediately after the first session, before the sixth session, and immediately after the sixth session (2 weeks)
  Heart rate variability (HRV) will be assessed using a Polar H10 heart rate sensor. RR intervals will be recorded for 5 minutes using the Elite HRV smartphone application. High-frequency (HF) power will be analyzed as a frequency-domain measure of HRV and autonomic nervous system activity.

Trial sites (1)

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