RISTO T. POHJOLA , MD, KALLE PEKANMÄKI MD, Ph.D., PERTFI J. KOLARI, M.Sc. Intermittent pneumatic compression of lymphoedema: valuation of two clinical methods. The Europ. Jour. of Lymphology Vol 5 Nr 19 ,1995;87-90 Deparment of Public Health, University of Tampere, FIN-33520 Tampere Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, FIN-15850 Lahti, Finland Department of Dermatology, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, FIN-15850 Lahti, Finland. ABSTRACT Reduction of lymphoedema commonly involves time-consuming pneumatic compression methods combined with various physical treatments to maintain the results. Optimized treatment protocol pneumatic compression was sought in a comparative treat-menttrial. The results obtained by using a multichamber unit adapting pressure from inflatable bags to the working pressures of the lymphatic system were compared with those obtained by using a single-chambered unit. Two hour compression was used in the multichamber unit, six hour treatment in the single-chamber unit. In most regions, the new treatment mode proved to be significantly better on hourly basis. No statistical difference was found at any level even when compression time was not considered (Wilcoxon two-way rank sum test, p < 0.05). The results suggest that compression times can be shortened. In the short term, two hour compression with a multichamber device seems to equal or exceed the value of six hour treatments with single-chamber machines in reducing limb oedema.