Study of Muscle Loss and Related Factors in Women with Lipedema Aged 18 to 85

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the relationship between sarcopenia, a condition involving age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, and lipedema, a chronic condition affecting women characterized by abnormal fat buildup and pain in the legs and sometimes arms. The study aims to understand whether muscle weakness in lipedema patients is part of the disease or a result of decreased activity and to explore how factors like age, body mass index, exercise, lipedema type, and stage relate to muscle loss. This research addresses an important gap as sarcopenia has not been studied in lipedema patients before. The study involves two groups women aged 18 to 85 diagnosed with lipedema, and healthy volunteers in a similar age range without lipedema. Participants will undergo diagnostic tests including ultrasound measurement of thigh muscle thickness to calculate the STAR Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio, hand grip strength tests, a chair stand test, and walking speed assessment to evaluate muscle mass and function. These tests help identify sarcopenia and assess physical performance. During the study visit, participants will have muscle thickness measured by ultrasound, perform hand grip strength tests using a dynamometer, complete a 5-repeat chair stand test, and walk a 6-meter course to measure gait speed. Researchers will analyze these results to assess muscle loss and function. The study is observational and does not involve treatment interventions. Participants will be monitored for these measures on a single day, and the study aims to improve understanding of sarcopenia in women with lipedema to support better conservative management strategies.

Sarcopenia and Related Factors in Lipedema