Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Conditions
Keywords
Lower extremity lymphedema, Digital physiotherapy, Combined decongestive therapy
Brief summary
This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of digital physiotherapy in patients with unilateral and bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Limb volume and quality of life were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 12-week follow-up.
Detailed description
This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a digital physiotherapy program based on combined decongestive therapy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. After an initial face-to-face training session on self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care, patients followed a 4-week digital physiotherapy program with remote supervision. Compression stockings were used during the maintenance phase. Limb volume was measured using circumference method. Quality of life was assessed with the Lymphoedema functioning, disability and health questionnaire questionnaire. Assessments were repeated post-treatment and at 12-week follow-up.
Interventions
The intervention consisted of a digitally delivered combined decongestive therapy (CDT) program for patients with unilateral or bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Patients attended a single face-to-face session where a physiotherapist provided training on skin care, self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, and therapeutic exercises (breathing, gluteal sets, knee sets, and toe movements). Caregivers recorded the demonstrations for home use. Following this session, a 4-week remote physiotherapy program was implemented using telecommunication technologies. Patients continued self-management with guidance via digital platforms. Compression stockings replaced self-bandaging during the 12-week follow-up phase.
Sponsors
Bezmialem Vakif University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosed with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema (either primary or secondary) * Patients aged 18 years or older
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of metastatic disease * History of coronary heart disease, pulmonary disease, or acute infection of any cause * Presence of peripheral neuropathy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Limb Volume | At baseline, at week 4 (end of treatment), and at week 12 (follow-up) | Limb volume was assessed by measuring the circumference of the affected arm at 4-cm intervals from the ulnar styloid to the axillary region using a standard tape measure. These measurements were used to calculate the total limb volume to evaluate changes after the intervention and at follow-up. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Quality of Life | At baseline, at week 4 (end of treatment), and at week 12 (follow-up) | Quality of life was assessed using the Turkish version of the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF), which is specific to lymphedema. The scale consists of 29 items across five domains: physical function, mental function, household activities, mobility activities, and social life. Each item was scored on a 0-100 mm visual analog scale (VAS), where higher scores indicate greater impairment and reduced quality of life. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed