Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Comparison of Different Exercise Protocols for Lipedema

Official title: Comparison of the Effects of High-intensity Interval Training and Moderate-intensity Continuous Training on Functional Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed With Lipedema

Run by Hitit University · NCT07873541 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether high‑intensity interval training or moderate‑intensity continuous training improves function, strength, and quality of life in adults with lipedema.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment66 (estimated)
SponsorHitit University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Çorum)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 11, 2026
Main results expectedSeptember 11, 2027
Study endsSeptember 11, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT07873541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults 18–65 with lipedema who have not engaged in structured exercise in the last 3 months and can safely participate in an aerobic program.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with certain cardiopulmonary, rheumatologic, neurological conditions, cancer history, thyroid disorders, non‑lipedema edema, or BMI over 50 may not benefit from or be eligible for participation.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial compares two aerobic exercise programs in adults aged 18–65 with lipedema who have not recently trained. Participants are assigned to either high‑intensity interval aerobic exercise or moderate‑intensity continuous exercise to measure changes in functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life. Outcomes will help determine which training approach is more effective for this population. The study is conducted at Hitit University, with the lead sponsor coordinating the effort.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in functional ability, muscle strength, and overall quality of life related to lipedema.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research in related populations suggests structured aerobic programs can yield functional and quality‑of‑life improvements, but results vary by protocol and condition.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-65 years and diagnosed with lipedema.
* Have not participated in a structured exercise training program within the previous 3 months.
* Voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of cardiopulmonary, rheumatologic, or neurological conditions causing symptoms of sufficient severity to prevent participation in the exercise program.
* History of cancer or presence of thyroid disorders.
* Presence of edema primarily attributable to conditions other than lipedema, including lymphedema, venous edema, or edema secondary to heart or renal failure.
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 50.0 kg/m².

Where it's running

  • Hitit University
    Çorum, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Kinesio Taping Added to Standard Care for Women with Lipedema

    This study tests whether adding kinesio taping to usual care helps reduce pain for women with stage II lipedema.

    Recruiting Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital · Küçükçekmece, Istanbul · NCT07919574

  • Comparison of body composition in lipedema and obesity

    This study tests whether women with lipedema have different segmental body fat and muscle distribution compared with BMI-matched women without lipedema.

    Recruiting Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey · Istanbul, Uskudar · NCT07878299

  • taVNS-enriched rehab for lipedema

    This study tests whether adding transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to standard rehabilitation helps people with lipedema reduce symptoms.

    Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Istanbul, Eyupsultan · NCT07857499

  • Manual and self-lymphatic drainage with exercise for lipedema

    This study tests whether manual lymph drainage plus supervised exercise works better than self-lymph drainage plus guided activity for reducing pain and improving function in women with lipedema over six weeks.

    Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Istanbul, Eyupsultan · NCT07803926

  • Turkish version of the Duke Activity Status Index in women with lipedema

    This study tests whether the Turkish Duke Activity Status Index accurately and consistently measures functional capacity in women with lipedema.

    Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Istanbul, Eyupsultan · NCT07803913

  • Aquatic vs. land-based exercise for lipedema in women

    This trial tests whether supervised pool workouts or equivalent land-based exercise improve walking ability and symptoms more than standard care for women with lipedema.

    Recruiting Cairo University · Giza, Dokki · NCT07756463

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.