RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07803926

Manual and Self-Lymphatic Drainage Combined With Exercise in Women With Lipedema

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

Sponsor

Merve SEVINC GUNDUZ

Enrollment

34 participants

Start Date

Aug 25, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Lipedema

Summary

This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of two physiotherapy approaches in women with lipedema. Participants will be assigned to either manual lymphatic drainage combined with supervised aerobic exercise or self-lymphatic drainage combined with physical activity guidance. Both programs will be applied for six weeks. The study will investigate whether these two approaches differ in their effects on pain, lower extremity function, limb volume, mobility, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Assessments will be performed before the intervention and at the end of the six-week program.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying Aerobic Exercise, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and others for people with lipedema. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include women aged 18 Years to 65 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERManual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by a physiotherapist for approximately 30 minutes per session, twice weekly for 6 weeks. Slow, gentle, rhythmic manual techniques will be applied to facilitate lymphatic drainage.

OTHERAerobic Exercise

Participants will perform supervised moderate-intensity treadmill-based aerobic exercise twice weekly for 6 weeks. Exercise intensity will be prescribed at 64-76% of maximum heart rate and monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale, targeting a score of 11-13.

OTHERSelf-Lymphatic Drainage

Participants will be instructed by a physiotherapist on how to perform self-lymphatic drainage. They will perform the technique as part of their 6-week intervention program and will be regularly followed by the physiotherapist throughout the intervention period.

OTHERPhysical Activity Guidance

Participants will receive guidance from a physiotherapist to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity during the 6-week intervention period. Walking intensity will be guided using the Talk Test, with participants instructed to maintain an intensity at which they can talk but not sing. Participants will be regularly followed throughout the intervention period.