Effects of Hydrotherapy on Unilateral Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Launched by GAZIOSMANPASA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION HOSPITAL · Feb 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how hydrotherapy, which is a type of exercise in water, affects people with a condition called unilateral lower extremity lymphedema. This condition causes swelling in one leg, making it feel heavy and uncomfortable. The study aims to see if combining hydrotherapy with a home exercise program can improve the quality of life, leg function, and swelling for patients who have already tried other treatments.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 18 and 75 years old and have been diagnosed with lymphedema in one leg. Additionally, you should have completed at least two weeks of a standard treatment called complex decongestive therapy. If you decide to join, you can expect to take part in both hydrotherapy sessions and exercises at home, which may help reduce the swelling and improve how you feel overall. However, not everyone can participate; for example, if you have certain serious health conditions or recent injuries, you may be excluded from the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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