Efficacy of Two Combined Interventions for Lipedema: A Randomized Comparison of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Plus Aerobic Exercise Versus Self-Lymphatic Drainage With Physical Activity Guidance
Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY
This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of two physiotherapy approaches in women with lipedema. Participants will be assigned to either manual lymphatic drainage combined with supervised aerobic exercise or self-lymphatic drainage combined with physical activity guidance. Both programs will be applied for six weeks. The study will investigate whether these two approaches differ in their effects on pain, lower extremity function, limb volume, mobility, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Assessments will be performed before the intervention and at the end of the six-week program.
Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Female
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 65
Healthy Volunteers: t
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• Female sex. Aged 18 to 65 years. Diagnosed with lipedema. Diagnosed with Stage I, II, III, or IV lipedema. No participation in any physiotherapy program within the previous 3 months. No previous liposuction surgery. Not currently following a weight-loss diet. No change in body weight greater than 10% within the previous 6 months. Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
Participants in this arm will receive supervised manual lymphatic drainage combined with aerobic exercise twice weekly for 6 weeks. Aerobic exercise will be performed on a treadmill at moderate intensity, targeting 64-76% of maximum heart rate and a Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion of 11-13. Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by a physiotherapist for approximately 30 minutes per session.
Participants assigned to this arm will receive instruction in self-lymphatic drainage and individualized physical activity guidance provided by a physiotherapist. Participants will be instructed on how to perform self-lymphatic drainage and will be encouraged to engage in moderate-intensity walking. Physical activity intensity will be guided using the Talk Test, with participants instructed to maintain an intensity at which they can talk comfortably but cannot sing. Participants will follow this program for 6 weeks and will be monitored regularly throughout the intervention period.