Manual and self-lymphatic drainage with exercise for lipedema
Official title: Efficacy of Two Combined Interventions for Lipedema: A Randomized Comparison of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Plus Aerobic Exercise Versus Self-Lymphatic Drainage With Physical Activity Guidance
Run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07803926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Eyupsultan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 20, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07803926 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18–65 with lipedema at stages I–IV who have not recently undergone physiotherapy or liposuction and are willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, skin, or endocrine conditions that preclude participation may not benefit from or be suitable for this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares two physiotherapy approaches in women with lipedema: manual lymph drainage combined with supervised aerobic exercise versus self-lymph drainage with guidance for physical activity. Participants are 34 women aged 18 to 65 randomized to one of the two interventions for six weeks, with sessions held twice weekly for the manual drainage group. Outcomes include pain, lower-extremity function, limb volume, mobility, quality of life, and depressive symptoms, assessed before and after the program. The study aims to determine if supervised, clinician-guided therapy offers advantages over self-managed care in this condition. Lipedema is a chronic, progressive adipose tissue disorder affecting mainly the limbs, and conservative management focuses on symptom relief and mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach with manual drainage and supervised exercise could better reduce pain and improve function and quality of life for lipedema patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in lipedema have explored physical therapies with varying success; this trial adds a direct comparison between clinician-led and self-managed modalities.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex. * Aged 18 to 65 years. * Diagnosed with lipedema. * Diagnosed with Stage I, II, III, or IV lipedema. * No participation in any physiotherapy program within the previous 3 months. * No previous liposuction surgery. * Not currently following a weight-loss diet. * No change in body weight greater than 10% within the previous 6 months. * Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe visual or cognitive impairment. * Severe cardiovascular disease. * Musculoskeletal conditions or injuries affecting the lower extremities, including osteoarthritis, contracture, or osteoporosis, that may interfere with participation in the study. * Skin conditions that may interfere with the intervention, such as pressure ulcers. * Uncontrolled endocrine disorders, including type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism. * Obesity secondary to endocrine disorders or medication-induced obesity. * Use of estrogen-progestin therapy within the previous 2 months. * Pregnancy or a positive pregnancy test. * Breastfeeding. * Concurrent participation in another clinical trial.
Where it's running
-
Bezmialem Vakif University
Istanbul, Eyupsultan, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merve SEVİNC GUNDUZ, MSc
- Email: mrvsevinccc@gmail.com
- Phone: +905312991841
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
-
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.
-
Comparison of Different Exercise Protocols for Lipedema
This study tests whether high‑intensity interval training or moderate‑intensity continuous training improves function, strength, and quality of life in adults with lipedema.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.