NCT07014566

Effectiveness of Digital Physiotherapy in the Short and Long-Term Management of Lower Extremity Lymphedema

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 82 (actual)
• Sponsor: Bezmialem Vakif University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of digital physiotherapy in patients with unilateral and bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Limb volume and quality of life were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 12-week follow-up.

Detailed description

This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a digital physiotherapy program based on combined decongestive therapy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. After an initial face-to-face training session on self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care, patients followed a 4-week digital physiotherapy program with remote supervision. Compression stockings were used during the maintenance phase. Limb volume was measured using circumference method. Quality of life was assessed with the Lymphoedema functioning, disability and health questionnaire questionnaire. Assessments were repeated post-treatment and at 12-week follow-up.

Conditions

• Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Digital Combined Decongestive Therapy	The intervention consisted of a digitally delivered combined decongestive therapy (CDT) program for patients with unilateral or bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Patients attended a single face-to-face session where a physiotherapist provided training on skin care, self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, and therapeutic exercises (breathing, gluteal sets, knee sets, and toe movements). Caregivers recorded the demonstrations for home use. Following this session, a 4-week remote physiotherapy program was implemented using telecommunication technologies. Patients continued self-management with guidance via digital platforms. Compression stockings replaced self-bandaging during the 12-week follow-up phase.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-02-05
• Primary completion: 2024-10-15
• Completion: 2024-11-22
• First posted: 2025-06-11
• Last updated: 2025-06-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)