Needles or Thermal Stimulation? A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Acupuncture and Moxibustion as Adjunctive Therapies to Conservative Management in Elderly Patients with Lower-Limb Lymphedema

Comparing Acupuncture and Moxibustion as Adjunctive Therapies to Conservative Management in Elderly Patients with Lower-Limb Lymphedema; A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Early Phase 1

Study type

Interventional

Source

PACTR

Registry ID

PACTR202601907050779

Enrollment

Registered

2026-01-15

Start date

2026-01-08

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-06-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Respiratory Surgery

Interventions

acupuncture

moxibustion

standard conservative care

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Elderly patients aged 60 years or older. Clinically diagnosed unilateral or bilateral lower-limb lymphedema. Medically stable and able to participate in conservative rehabilitation programs. Ability to understand instructions and provide written informed consent. Willingness to adhere to home-based manual lymph drainage and exercise program.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Acute infection or cellulitis affecting the lower limb. Malignancy-related active lymphedema or ongoing cancer treatment. Severe cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic diseases that may interfere with participation. History of acupuncture or moxibustion treatment within the last 3 months. Skin conditions, wounds, or hypersensitivity contraindicating acupuncture or moxibustion.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (LMPQOL).	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Limb circumference measurements at standardized anatomical points.	—

Countries

Egypt

Contacts

Public Contactyasmine;samy elkhateeb;nassef

lecturer of basic science;professor of basic science and dean of physical therapy egyptian chinese university

yelkhateeb@ecu.edu.eg;snasef@ecu.edu.eg01227276747;01001499661

Outcome results

None listed

Source: PACTR (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Jun 29, 2026