Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Breastmilk Compositio

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast; Reproductive Health and Childbirth - Breast feeding; Inflammatory and Immune System - Other inflammatory or immune system disorders

• Registration Number: ACTRN12621001025820
• Lead Sponsor: Curtin University

Brief Summary

The research question was whether therapeutic ultrasound changed the composition of breastmilk. Inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast (ICLB), e.g. mastitis and engorgement, are a common problem for women after childbirth, which may cause breast pain, firmness or lumps, redness, warmth, flu-like symptoms and fever. Most physiotherapists treat ICLB with education and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS), which may help to reduce inflammation, improve tissue healing and clear blocked ducts. Mothers aged over 18 who were fully breastfeeding with babies aged between 1-6 were included. Any mother who was mixed feeding or giving their babies solids or who had a history and/or current ICLB were excluded. Results of this study showed that there was no adverse change within the concentration of breastmilk protein, lactose and fat after the application of therapeutic ultrasound to the breast.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2021-08-05
• Study Completion: 2021-10-28
• Last Update Posted: 21 February 2022

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 26

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking mothers aged over 18 whose infants are aged between 1-6 months, who are fully breastfeeding (i.e. not pumping more than twice a day).

Exclusion Criteria

Mothers who are mixed feeding (i.e. with formula or solids) or have a history and/or current inflammatory condition of the lactating breast will be excluded. Women who have a current pregnancy; known or suspected cancer; circulation problems; bleeding disorders; acute infection; disease of the nervous system; heart condition or cardiac pacemaker and any other electronic, metallic or breast implants will be excluded as they will be ineligible to receive therapeutic ultrasound.

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Protein concentration in breastmilk (g/L)<br>Instrument: Bradford protein assay[Immediately pre intervention and immediately post intervention]

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Fat concentration was calculated in %<br>Instrument: The creamotocrit method[Immediately pre intervention and immediately post intervention. <br>];Lactose concentration in breastmilk (g/L)<br>Instrument: enzymatic lactose assay[Immediately pre intervention and immediately post intervention. ]