MedTrace Logo

Aerobic Training in Lower Extremity Lymphedema

NCT07414615 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 24

Last updated 2026-02-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise training on gait, postural control, lower extremity muscle strength, and functional status in individuals with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. A total of 24 participants aged between 20 and 60 years with a diagnosis of bilateral lower extremity lymphedema will be randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The aerobic exercise group will receive aerobic exercise training in addition to Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), while the control group will receive CDT alone.

Lower extremity edema will be assessed using circumferential measurements taken from the ankle to the inguinal region. Gait function will be evaluated through angular and spatiotemporal analysis using Kinovea software, including parameters such as step length, walking speed, and double support time. Postural control will be assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and the Timed Up and Go Test. Lower extremity muscle strength and endurance will be evaluated using Manual Muscle Testing and the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test. Functional status of the lower extremities will be assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

Conditions

  • Lymphedema
  • Lymphedema Lower Extremity

Interventions

OTHER

Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP)

Participants will receive Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy five days per week for six weeks, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, skin care, and therapeutic exercises. The exercise program will consist of diaphragmatic breathing exercises, hip flexion-extension, hip abduction-adduction, knee flexion-extension (heel slides), ankle pumps, ankle circumduction, isometric quadriceps contractions, and isometric hip adduction. All exercises will be performed in a slow and controlled manner under the supervision of a physiotherapist while compression bandaging is applied. Each exercise will be performed for 10 repetitions in one set during each treatment session.

OTHER

Aerobic Training

Participants will complete 20 minutes of aerobic training on a recumbent cycle ergometer. Training intensity will be prescribed at 40-59% of heart rate reserve, calculated using the Karvonen method. Each aerobic training session will conclude with a 5-minute cool-down period on the cycle ergometer at low intensity (≤40% of heart rate reserve).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Bezmialem Vakif University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
20 Years
Max Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-02-16
Primary Completion
2026-04-10
Completion
2026-04-10

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07414615 on ClinicalTrials.gov