Resistance exercise for people with lower-limb lymphedema
The Effect of Resistance Exercise in Patients With Lower Limb Lymphedema - With and With-out Compression - a Randomized Controlled Trial (the LymphEx Study)
This study tests whether short periods of supervised resistance exercise, with and without compression garments, change swelling or symptoms in people with lower-limb lymphedema.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Herlev and Gentofte Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Herlev) |
| Trial ID | NCT07558317 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants wear a calf circumference sensor under a compression garment and an activity tracker at the thigh while taking part in three monitoring periods: two 2-week supervised resistance exercise periods (2–3 sessions per week, one with compression and one without) and one control period. The study measures immediate limb responses at 2 hours and 24 hours after exercise and compares short-term effects over each 2-week period. Assessments are done before and after each 2-week period and participants keep a digital or paper diary of lymphedema symptoms and any issues with sensors or the app. The protocol focuses on objective sensor data combined with clinical measurements to characterize how resistance exercise and compression interact in the short term.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates have a verified diagnosis of lower-limb lymphedema, have completed compression bandaging, wear daytime compression garments most days (about 5–6 days/week), and have calf circumference between 35 and 75 cm.
Not a fit: Patients with severe lower-leg neuropathy, active skin wounds or cellulitis, recent DVT or acute injury within 2 months, or ongoing adjuvant cancer treatment are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could support using short, supervised resistance programs (with appropriate compression) to reduce swelling or symptoms and offer a practical management option for people with lower-limb lymphedema.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research—especially in upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer—shows progressive resistance training is generally safe and can help symptoms, but short-term sensor-based trials in lower-limb lymphedema are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * verified diagnosis of lymphedema of the lower limb * completed compression bandaging * adherence to compression garment in daytime (minumum 5-6 days per week) * calf circumference \> 35 and \<75 cm Exclusion Criteria: * severe neuropathy of the lower leg * severe skin problems or wounds at the lower leg * cellulitis, DVT or acute injuries of the lower limb \< 2 months prior to inclusion * ongoing adjuvant treatment for cancer
Where this trial is running
Herlev
- Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy — Herlev, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merete C Wittenkamp, PhD student
- Email: merete.celano.wittenkamp@regionh.dk
- Phone: 93911784
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.