LipedemaLipoMOVENCT07803926
Manual and Self-Lymphatic Drainage Combined With Exercise in Women With Lipedema
A study testing Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Aerobic Exercise and Self-Lymphatic Drainage in people with Lipedema, run by Merve SEVINC GUNDUZ at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Lipedema
- What is being tested?
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Aerobic Exercise and Self-Lymphatic Drainage
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 25 Aug 2026to 30 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Female sex.
- Aged 18 to 65 years.
- Diagnosed with lipedema.
- Diagnosed with Stage I, II, III, or IV lipedema.
- No participation in any physiotherapy program within the previous 3 months.
- No previous liposuction surgery.
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- Not currently following a weight-loss diet.
- No change in body weight greater than 10% within the previous 6 months.
- Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Severe visual or cognitive impairment.
- Severe cardiovascular disease.
- Musculoskeletal conditions or injuries affecting the lower extremities, including osteoarthritis, contracture, or osteoporosis, that may interfere with participation in the study.
- Skin conditions that may interfere with the intervention, such as pressure ulcers.
- Uncontrolled endocrine disorders, including type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism.
- Obesity secondary to endocrine disorders or medication-induced obesity.
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- Use of estrogen-progestin therapy within the previous 2 months.
- Pregnancy or a positive pregnancy test.
- Breastfeeding.
- Concurrent participation in another clinical trial.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Bezmialem Vakif University
Istanbul, Eyupsultan
Bezmialem Vakif University Bezmialem Vakif University, +90 (212) 523 22 88, info@bezmialem.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: 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
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.
Read the detailed description
Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder that predominantly affects women and is characterized by bilateral and symmetrical disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, most commonly in the extremities. Pain, tenderness, swelling, easy bruising, and impaired mobility are common features of the condition and may negatively affect physical function and quality of life. Conservative management of lipedema aims to reduce symptoms, maintain mobility, support lymphatic drainage, and improve quality of life. Exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, self-management strategies, and physical activity are among the conservative approaches used in lipedema management.
This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of two combined physiotherapy approaches in women with lipedema. A total of 34 women with lipedema are planned to be included. Eligible participants will be allocated to one of two groups: manual lymphatic drainage combined with supervised aerobic exercise or self-lymphatic drainage combined with physical activity guidance.
Participants in the manual lymphatic drainage plus aerobic exercise group will receive supervised treatment twice weekly for six weeks. The aerobic exercise program will include warm-up and cool-down periods and treadmill-based aerobic exercise. Exercise intensity will be prescribed at a moderate intensity corresponding to 64-76% of maximum heart rate and will also be monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale, with a target rating of 11-13. Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by a physiotherapist for approximately 30 minutes during each treatment session.
Participants in the self-lymphatic drainage plus physical activity group will be instructed by a physiotherapist in self-lymphatic drainage and will receive recommendations for moderate-intensity physical activity. Physical activity intensity will be guided using the Talk Test, with participants encouraged to walk at an intensity at which they can talk but not sing. Participants will be followed throughout the six-week intervention period.
Assessments will be performed at baseline and at the end of the six-week intervention. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. Additional assessments will include health-related quality of life using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), lower extremity functional status using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, mobility using the Timed Up and Go Test, depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory, and anthropometric and limb circumference measurements. Limb circumference measurements will also be used to estimate lower extremity volume.
The study is designed to determine whether the two combined conservative physiotherapy approaches differ in their effects on pain and other clinical outcomes, including lower extremity function, mobility, limb volume, quality of life, and depressive symptoms, in women with lipedema.
- Conditions
- Lipedema
- Being tested
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Aerobic Exercise, Self-Lymphatic Drainage, Physical Activity Guidance
- Keywords
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Self-Lymphatic Drainage, Aerobic Exercise, Physical Activity, Pain, Lower Extremity Function, Quality of Life, Limb Volume, Physiotherapy
- Medical subject headings
- Lipedema, Motor Activity, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Manual Lymphatic DrainageOther
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.
Aerobic ExerciseOther
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.
Self-Lymphatic DrainageOther
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.
Physical Activity GuidanceOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Aerobic Exercise | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive supervised manual lymphatic drainage combined with aerobic exercise twice weekly for 6 weeks. Aerobic exercise will be performed on a treadmill at moderate intensity, targeting 64-76% of maximum heart rate and a Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion of 11-13. Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by a physiotherapist for approximately 30 minutes per session. Receives: Other: Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Other: Aerobic Exercise |
| Self-Lymphatic Drainage + Physical Activity Guidance | Active comparator | Participants assigned to this arm will receive instruction in self-lymphatic drainage and individualized physical activity guidance provided by a physiotherapist. Participants will be instructed on how to perform self-lymphatic drainage and will be encouraged to engage in moderate-intensity walking. Physical activity intensity will be guided using the Talk Test, with participants instructed to maintain an intensity at which they can talk comfortably but cannot sing. Participants will follow this program for 6 weeks and will be monitored regularly throughout the intervention period. Receives: Other: Self-Lymphatic Drainage; Other: Physical Activity Guidance |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst/unbearable pain." Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Health-Related Quality of Life
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The SF-36 consists of 36 items covering eight health domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health. Scores for each domain range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Lower Extremity Limb Volume
Lower extremity circumference measurements will be obtained using a flexible, non-elastic measuring tape at standardized anatomical intervals. Limb volume will be estimated from the circumference measurements using a segmental volume calculation method. The same reference points will be used at baseline and follow-up, with lower calculated volumes indicating lower limb volume.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Lower Extremity Functional Status
Lower extremity functional status will be assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). The scale consists of 20 items assessing difficulty in performing daily activities. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate better lower extremity function.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Functional Mobility
Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Participants will be instructed to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down. The time required to complete the test will be recorded in seconds. A shorter completion time indicates better functional mobility.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Depressive Symptoms
Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The questionnaire consists of 21 categories, with each item scored from 0 to 3. The total score ranges from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater severity of depressive symptoms.
Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Sep 2026
- Study start25 Aug 2026
- Primary completion20 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for LipedemaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Group 1: Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Aerobic Exercise Group 2: Self-Lymphatic Drainage + Physical Activity Guidance
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Merve SEVINC GUNDUZ
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Merve SEVINC GUNDUZ, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07803926
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026/407
- Other IDs
- 2026/407
- Acronym
- LipoMOVE
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because data sharing is not included in the current study protocol or informed consent process.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07803926
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- LipoMOVE / 2026/407
- Conditions
- Lipedema
- Keywords
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Self-Lymphatic Drainage, Aerobic Exercise, Physical Activity, Pain, Lower Extremity Function, Quality of Life, Limb Volume
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Merve SEVINC GUNDUZUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 4 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder that predominantly affects women and is characterized by bilateral and symmetrical disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, most commonly in the extremities. Pain, tenderness, swelling, easy bruising, and impaired mobility are common features of the condition and may negatively affect physical function and quality of life. Conservative management of lipedema aims to reduce symptoms, maintain mobility, support lymphatic drainage, and improve quality of life. Exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, self-management strategies, and physical activity are among the conservative approaches used in lipedema management.
This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of two combined physiotherapy approaches in women with lipedema. A total of 34 women with lipedema are planned to be included. Eligible participants will be allocated to one of two groups: manual lymphatic drainage combined with supervised aerobic exercise or self-lymphatic drainage combined with physical activity guidance.
Participants in the manual lymphatic drainage plus aerobic exercise group will receive supervised treatment twice weekly for six weeks. The aerobic exercise program will include warm-up and cool-down periods and treadmill-based aerobic exercise. Exercise intensity will be prescribed at a moderate intensity corresponding to 64-76% of maximum heart rate and will also be monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale, with a target rating of 11-13. Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by a physiotherapist for approximately 30 minutes during each treatment session.
Participants in the self-lymphatic drainage plus physical activity group will be instructed by a physiotherapist in self-lymphatic drainage and will receive recommendations for moderate-intensity physical activity. Physical activity intensity will be guided using the Talk Test, with participants encouraged to walk at an intensity at which they can talk but not sing. Participants will be followed throughout the six-week intervention period.
Assessments will be performed at baseline and at the end of the six-week intervention. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. Additional assessments will include health-related quality of life using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), lower extremity functional status using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, mobility using the Timed Up and Go Test, depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory, and anthropometric and limb circumference measurements. Limb circumference measurements will also be used to estimate lower extremity volume.
The study is designed to determine whether the two combined conservative physiotherapy approaches differ in their effects on pain and other clinical outcomes, including lower extremity function, mobility, limb volume, quality of life, and depressive symptoms, in women with lipedema.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Group 1: Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Aerobic Exercise Group 2: Self-Lymphatic Drainage + Physical Activity Guidance
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Aerobic Exercise | Experimental | Other: Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Other: Aerobic ExerciseParticipants in this arm will receive supervised manual lymphatic drainage combined with aerobic exercise twice weekly for 6 weeks. Aerobic exercise will be performed on a treadmill at moderate intensity, targeting 64-76% of maximum heart rate and a Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion of 11-13. Manual lymphatic drainage will be administered by a physiotherapist for approximately 30 minutes per session. |
| Self-Lymphatic Drainage + Physical Activity Guidance | Active comparator | Other: Self-Lymphatic Drainage, Other: Physical Activity GuidanceParticipants assigned to this arm will receive instruction in self-lymphatic drainage and individualized physical activity guidance provided by a physiotherapist. Participants will be instructed on how to perform self-lymphatic drainage and will be encouraged to engage in moderate-intensity walking. Physical activity intensity will be guided using the Talk Test, with participants instructed to maintain an intensity at which they can talk comfortably but cannot sing. Participants will follow this program for 6 weeks and will be monitored regularly throughout the intervention period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Female sex.
- Aged 18 to 65 years.
- Diagnosed with lipedema.
- Diagnosed with Stage I, II, III, or IV lipedema.
- No participation in any physiotherapy program within the previous 3 months.
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Severe visual or cognitive impairment.
- Severe cardiovascular disease.
- Musculoskeletal conditions or injuries affecting the lower extremities, including osteoarthritis, contracture, or osteoporosis, that may interfere with participation in the study.
- Skin conditions that may interfere with the intervention, such as pressure ulcers.
- Uncontrolled endocrine disorders, including type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Lymphatic DrainageManual 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. | Other | Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Aerobic Exercise |
| Aerobic ExerciseParticipants 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. | Other | Manual Lymphatic Drainage + Aerobic Exercise |
| Self-Lymphatic DrainageParticipants 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. | Other | Self-Lymphatic Drainage + Physical Activity Guidance |
| Physical Activity GuidanceParticipants 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. | Other | Self-Lymphatic Drainage + Physical Activity Guidance |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst/unbearable pain." Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
5 secondary outcomes
Health-Related Quality of Life
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Lower Extremity Limb Volume
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Lower Extremity Functional Status
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Functional Mobility
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Depressive Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because data sharing is not included in the current study protocol or informed consent process.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Aerobic Exercise and Self-Lymphatic Drainage in people with Lipedema, run by Merve SEVINC GUNDUZ at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Merve SEVİNC GUNDUZ, MSc (+905312991841, mrvsevinccc@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2026.