Evaluation of the Effects of Hydrotherapy on Lower Extremity Volume, Quality of Life, and Functionality in Patients Diagnosed With Unilateral Lower Extremity Lymphedema

What this Trial Is About

Lymphedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling and heaviness in the lower limbs, affecting quality of life and leg function. This research compares the effects of a home exercise program alone versus hydrotherapy combined with home exercise on quality of life, leg function, exercise capacity, and swelling severity in patients with unilateral lower limb lymphedema. The study includes patients who have completed complex decongestive therapy and aims to improve treatment approaches for this condition. Participants are divided into two groups: one group follows a home exercise program and self-drainage for six weeks, while the other participates in hydrotherapy sessions three times a week along with the home program. Hydrotherapy involves 30-minute aquatic exercises in groups of 5 to 7, led by a trained physiotherapist in a pool with controlled temperature and depth. Both groups receive education on the home program before starting the treatments. Throughout the study, patients undergo assessments before and after treatment, including limb volume measurement, quality of life questionnaires, leg function scales, and a 10-meter walk test. These measurements help researchers evaluate the impact of the treatments on swelling, function, exercise ability, and life quality. The study duration is six weeks, with comparisons made between the two groups based on these outcomes to understand the benefits of adding hydrotherapy.

Effects of Hydrotherapy on Unilateral Lower Extremity Lymphedema