Aerobic exercise with decongestive therapy for people with lower‑limb lymphedema
The Effect of Aerobic Training on Gait, Postural Control, Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Functionality in Patients With Lower Extremity Lymphedema
We will test whether adding aerobic exercise to standard decongestive therapy helps adults with bilateral lower‑limb lymphedema walk better and improve balance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bezmialem Vakif University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07414615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 24 adults aged 20–60 with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema who are randomly assigned to receive either aerobic exercise plus Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) or CDT alone. Limb volume will be tracked by circumferential measurements from ankle to inguinal region, while gait will be analyzed using angular and spatiotemporal metrics from video analysis software. Postural control will be measured with the Balance Error Scoring System and the Timed Up and Go, and lower extremity muscle strength and functional status will be recorded. Outcomes will compare changes between groups to see if adding aerobic training provides additional functional benefit beyond CDT.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–60 with a diagnosis of bilateral lower extremity lymphedema who can ambulate independently and have no active contraindications from recent cancer treatment are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled cardiac, pulmonary, or renal disease, active lower‑limb infection, major neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting mobility, pregnancy, or those who cannot walk independently are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding aerobic exercise could lead to better walking speed, balance, and leg strength and may help reduce limb swelling compared with decongestive therapy alone.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of exercise combined with decongestive therapy have reported improvements in limb function and symptoms, but rigorous evidence specifically for bilateral lower‑limb lymphedema remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 20 and 60 years * Diagnosed with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema * Completion of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other oncological treatments, with no oncological contraindication to participation * Signed written informed consent * Willingness to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of uncontrolled cardiac or pulmonary disease * Presence of renal insufficiency * Presence of musculoskeletal or neurological disorders affecting mobility or balance * Presence of systemic or local infection in the lower extremity * Impaired independent ambulation or use of assistive walking devices * Pregnancy * Presence of visual, cognitive, or intellectual impairment that may interfere with participation in assessment or intervention procedures
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Bezmialem Vakif University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Deniz Tuncer, PhD, PT
- Email: dtuncer@bezmialem.edu.tr
- Phone: +902124012600
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.