Hydrotherapy for treating unilateral lower limb lymphedema
Evaluation of the Effects of Hydrotherapy on Lower Extremity Volume, Quality of Life, and Functionality in Patients Diagnosed With Unilateral Lower Extremity Lymphedema
This study tests whether adding hydrotherapy to a home exercise program can help people with swelling in one leg feel better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT06839885 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of hydrotherapy combined with a home exercise program on patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving only a home exercise program and the other receiving hydrotherapy sessions alongside the exercise program. The study aims to assess changes in limb volume, quality of life, functionality, and exercise capacity before and after the intervention. The hydrotherapy sessions will be conducted in a controlled aquatic environment under the supervision of trained physiotherapists.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with a diagnosis of primary or secondary unilateral lower extremity lymphedema who have previously undergone complex decongestive therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with serious systemic diseases, recent injuries or surgeries, or contraindications to hydrotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and functionality for patients suffering from unilateral lower extremity lymphedema.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on upper extremity lymphedema have shown positive outcomes with exercise therapies, this specific approach for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with primary or secondary unilateral lower extremity lymphedema diagnosis * Patients who have received at least 2 weeks of complex decongestive therapy in the past * Patients who are cooperative with hydrotherapy treatments * Patients who are willing to participate in the treatment * Patients aged 18-75 Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable to perform the evaluation parameters * Patients with serious systemic diseases that may prevent exercise * Patients who have had an injury and/or surgery in the last 6 months * Conditions where hydrotherapy is contraindicated (severe fear of water, behavioral problems, shortness of breath at rest, incontinence, known chlorine allergy, open wound, acute systemic illness, epilepsy, tracheostomy, permanent drain, immunodeficiency) * Patients with an active infection anywhere in the body * Patients who have undergone sentinel lymph node biopsy * Patients with active metastatic disease
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- GaziosmanpasaTREH — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kevser Gümüşsu
- Email: kevsergumussu@hotmail.com
- Phone: 05323628768
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.