Using thermal imaging to measure changes in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology

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Author
Whatley, Judith
Kay, Sally
Date
2020-10-08Acceptance date
2020-04-03
Type
Article
Publisher
Mark Allen Healthcare
ISSN
1462-4753
Embargoed until
2021-04-08
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background
Reflexology lymph drainage (RLD) for breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) may have a positive impact on arm swelling and pain. Thermal imaging is a means of tracking temperature change by visual images.
Aims
To explore the use of thermal imaging in treatment for BCRL.
Method
The swollen arms of two participants with BCRL were photographed using a thermal imaging camera during a single RLD treatment. Limb Volume Circumferential Measurement (LVCM) of both arms was taken before, after and the next day. The images were examined for visual changes, and temperature data were extracted.
Findings
Images showed differences in temperature within the affected hand and arm over 45 minutes. LVCM data indicated a loss of limb volume in the affected arm in both cases, which continued to decrease over 24 hours.
Conclusion
Thermal imaging may be useful in tracking temperature change during treatment for BCRL.
Journal/conference proceeding
British Journal of Community Nursing;
Citation
Whatley, J.A. and Kay, S. (2020) 'Using thermal imaging to measure changes in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology', British Journal of Community Nursing, 25(Sup10), pp.S6-S11.
Description
Article published in British Journal of Community Nursing available at https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2020.25.Sup10.S6
Sponsorship
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Grant ID: Cardiff Metropolian (Internal))
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