Application of microcurrents of bioresonance and transdermal delivery of active principles in lymphedema and lipedema of the lower limbs: a pilot study

AIM: Application of microcurrents of bioresonance may allow protein aggregates lysis and a related enhancement of lymphatic drainage. Combining bioresonance with transcutaneous passage of active principles, by means of skin electroporation, microcirculation and clearance of connective tissues may be theoretically activated. A pilot study on an electro-medical device which includes these two technologies (Transponder(®)), has been performed on patients affected by lymphedema (LYM) and/or lipedema (LIP) of the lower limbs. METHODS: Eight patients affected by primary or secondary unilateral LYM or LIP were submitted to six consecutive daily sessions with the medical device; the first two sessions were performed by a trained physiotherapist, whilst the following four sessions were self-administered by the patients themselves at home (who were educated about the technique). Magnesium silicate was delivered transcutaneously by means of the device at each session. Pre-post-treatment assessment included: 1) limb volumetry by means of tape measurement; 2) segmental multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy for fluid changes, with L-DEX measurement; 3) visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 score) questionnaire for related symptoms. RESULTS: All the patients completed the scheduled treatment. After the treatment the mean volume of the whole limb decreased from 9462.85 (±3407.02) to 9297.37 cc (±3393.20), which accounts for a 165.48 cc (2%) reduction after six days of treatment. The pre/post-treatment VAS mean score changes were: heaviness from 4.57±3.46 to 2.43±2.57 (-47%), dysesthesias from 1.71±2.63 to 0.71±1.50 (-58%), pain from 1.57±2.57 to 0.57±0.79 (-64%). Diuresis VAS measurement passed from 7.43±1.81 to 8.57±0.98 (15% increase). The average L-DEX percentage reduction was 21%. No side effects were reported and a good patients' compliance was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary data of this pilot study show that the combination of microcurrents of bioresonance with transdermal delivery of active principles indicate that it could result in edema decrease and symptom improvement in patients affected by LYM and/or LIP of the lower limbs. Self-administered modality of the electrical device is possible and effective; no side effects have been reported.