Clinical Trials
In 2000, the HTE International Group collaborated with academics of Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, with the aim of conducting a large-scale research project on the impact of the Sun Ancon Chi Machine on the lymphatic system.
The three-week ground-breaking clinical trials were headed by Professor Neil Piller (a leading lymphologist) and involved patients with Secondary Lymphoedema and Venous Oedema occurring in the legs.
Professor Piller and his team of experts carried out tests on patients suffering from Secondary Lymphodema and/or Venous Oedema and a control group of healthy patients (see below this page for explanation of Lymphodema.
(see Professor Piller’s biodata below this page)
All the patients were required to apply the Chi Machine twice daily for specified durations over the three-week period. A variety of tests and evaluations were performed during this time. The results were then scrutinised to see if the the Sun Ancon Chi Machine could be beneficial to the lymphatic system.
Dr Piller with patient.
The findings concluded with the following:
Results for patients with Secondary Lymphoedema and/or Venous Oedema:
- Significant reduction in limb volume and circumference – extra-cellular fluid were reduced.
- Significant loss of oedema fluid from the limbs – a reduction of 440mls in leg fluid.
- Significant loss of weight – average weight loss for those with Venous Oedema was 1.45kgs and for those with Secondary Lymphoedema was 0.5 kgs.
- Reduction in varying degrees of body fat.
- Improvement in lymphatic drainage.
- Significant improvement in “subjective symptoms”, namely: pain, tightness, heaviness, cramps, skin dryness, pins & needles and overall decrease in bodily temperature.
Overall results of the trials showed significant improvements in the patients health and well being. 88% of patients were satisfied with the treatment.
General results from the control group of healthy patients
• Slight reduction in fluids to the limbs – a reduction of 45mls in fluids.
• Reduction in weight – average weight loss 0.6kgs.
• Reduction in various percentages of body fat.
The successful outcome of the research has separated Hsin Ten and the Sun Ancon Chi Machine from its cheap imitations.
Lymphoedema is the term used to describe swelling that can occur anywhere in the body, but usually on the limbs. Secondary Lymphoedema is swelling that can occur following treatment for cancer, surgery, radiation therapy, recurrent infections or trauma due to damage to the lymphatic system.
If left untreated, there is a risk of complications. Lymphoedema is not curable, but there are ways to control and manage its symptoms that can also help to improve the sufferer’s quality of life.
Venous oedema also causes swelling but occurs when the venous blood system is not draining or circulating well – usually as a result of venous insufficiency caused by disease, varicose veins or previous deep vein thrombosis.
It usually occurs as a consequence of high blood pressure or heart diseases. When venous insufficiency takes place, excess fluids cannot be efficiently removed through the veins, thus leading to leakages into the tissues. This causes the affected tissue to swell.
Neil Piller Biodata
- Member of Flinders Medical Devices and Technologies (FMDAT)
* Internationally recognized lymphologist:
* Member of international network of researchers in lymphological disorders
* Director and team leader of multi-disciplinary team of researchers
* Consultant and advisor to government, professional and industry groups
* Published and presented over 300Ê articles in Lymphology, including published articles in the New England Journal of Medicine, Australian Doctor and Medicine Today.
* Regular presenter and speaker at international conferences, including the International Society of Lymphology conference in Germany, the British Lymphology Society conference in Glasgow, Vein meeting in Auckland and Phlebology conference in Sydney.
* Editor/Reviewer of various international journals including, Lymphatic Research and Biology, US-China Journal of Oncology & Lymphology and the Medical Science Monitor
* Involved in screening programs for early detection of soft tissue changes in chronic disorders such as lymphoedema, oedemas and lipoedemas.
* Special interest in the early detection and treatment of superficial tissue diseases and disorders
* Developed techniques for the measurement of fibre and other changes in superficial tissues
* Commitment to raising patient and practitioner awareness
* Runs a range of course for patients and health professionals in the areas of oedemas/lymphoedemas and their recognition
* Recipient of over $1.6 million in Industry, Government and other grants in recent years.
Abstract of a study by the Department of Surgery and Lymphoedema Assessment Clinic, School of Medicine, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
This following abstract was commented in Lymphology. 2004 Jun;37(2):53-61.
Abstract
A significant proportion of those who survive lower torso cancer treatments will go on to develop clinically discernible bilateral or unilateral leg lymphoedema. Although beneficial treatments exist for this condition, many are expensive and involve visits to outpatient clinics or allied health professionals–making the patient dependent upon others for treatment and maintenance. This clinical trial tested the efficacy of the Sun Ancon Chi Machine Aerobic Exerciser, a home based therapy that delivered both elevation and passive exercise to the legs. This machine was used in the participant’s home according to a set regime with measurements being taken immediately before trial commencement, at weekly intervals and then 1 month after treatment cessation. After a three week treatment period there were statistically significant reductions in total leg volume and fluids, whole body extracellular fluid, weight and subjective leg symptoms. Lymphscintigraphy in a sub-group of patients suggested an increase in lymphatic transport in some individuals. Although some of the fluid and symptoms had returned at the 1 month follow up, none of the parameters had returned to pre-treatment levels. This finding indicates that this equipment may have ongoing beneficial effects. This clinical trial demonstrates that the Sun Ancon Chi Machine Aerobic Exerciser is an effective adjunct therapy that can be used in the patient’s own home.
PMID: 15328757 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
