Clinical Research Directory

Multimodal Ultrasound for Differentiating Lymphedema and Lipedema

The aim of this observational study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasonography in differentiating between lymphedema and lipedema. Differentiating these two chronic conditions based solely on clinical examination can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. This study will utilize various non-invasive ultrasound techniques-including B-mode ultrasound, strain elastography, power Doppler, and quantitative ImageJ analysis-to compare tissue characteristics among patients with lymphedema, patients with lipedema, and healthy controls. The goal is to identify reliable, non-invasive imaging biomarkers that can facilitate early and accurate diagnosis, thereby optimizing patient management.

Aquatic Versus Land-Based Exercise in Women With Lipedema

To evaluate optimal workout environments, a 12-week study assigned women with moderate-to-severe lipedema to three distinct protocols: supervised pool workouts, equivalent land-based training, or basic standard monitoring. Researchers tracked walking endurance alongside tissue composition, fluid levels, pain intensity, and general well-being. The trial posited that structured activity beats routine care alone, with water-based exercise potentially offering superior relief due to buoyancy and hydrostatic fluid compression.

Telerehabilitation-Supported Exercise in Women With Lipedema

This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation-supported exercise program in women with lipedema. A total of 66 women aged 18 to 65 years with stage I-III lipedema will be included and randomly assigned to either the telerehabilitation group or the home exercise group. Participants in the telerehabilitation group will perform a supervised exercise program delivered synchronously via Zoom three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group will perform a similar home-based exercise program independently three times per week for 12 weeks. Both groups will receive education about lipedema and instructions regarding the exercise program. The primary outcome is pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold, lipedema-related symptoms, lower-extremity volume, subcutaneous tissue thickness, body composition, functional capacity, mobility, quality of life, and exercise adherence.

"Effect of Endermologie-Assisted Physiotherapy on Edema, Pain, and Functional Recovery After Liposuction for Lower-Limb Lipedema"

Lipedema is a chronic condition that mainly affects women and causes abnormal fat accumulation, pain, heaviness, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty with movement, especially in the lower limbs. Liposuction is sometimes used to reduce the abnormal fatty tissue in people with lower-limb lipedema. However, after surgery, patients may still experience swelling, pain, bruising, tissue stiffness, and reduced mobility during recovery. Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery after liposuction for lipedema. It may include compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, gentle exercises, walking, skin care, and patient education. These treatments aim to reduce swelling, improve circulation, support tissue healing, and help patients return to daily activities. This study will investigate whether adding Endermologie to a standard physiotherapy program can improve recovery after liposuction for lower-limb lipedema. Endermologie is a non-invasive mechanical massage technique that uses gentle suction and rolling movements to mobilize the skin and soft tissues. It may help support lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling, improve tissue flexibility, and decrease discomfort. Participants in this study will be divided into two groups. One group will receive only standard postoperative physiotherapy. The other group will receive standard postoperative physiotherapy plus Endermologie sessions. The study will compare both groups to see whether Endermologie-assisted physiotherapy provides a better improvement in swelling, pain, tissue stiffness, mobility, and overall functional recovery. The results of this study may help physiotherapists develop more effective rehabilitation protocols for patients recovering from liposuction for lower-limb lipedema.

Comparison of Segmental Body Composition Characteristics in Lipedema and Obesity

The aim of this study is to compare the total and regional body composition characteristics of women with lipedema and women without lipedema who are matched for age and body mass index, as determined by the TANITA MC-580 segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device. In addition to total fat mass and fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass, and muscle mass measurements of the right and left legs, right and left arms, and trunk are planned to be evaluated. From these measurements, regional distribution indicators such as the proportion of lower extremity fat mass within total body fat, the leg-to-trunk fat ratio, the leg-to-arm fat ratio, and the leg muscle-to-fat ratio will be calculated. In addition, the study aims to examine the relationships between segmental body composition characteristics and disease type and stage, disease duration, pain severity, and lower extremity function in the lipedema group. Hypothesis: The proportion of total body fat located in the lower extremities is significantly higher in women with lipedema compared to women without lipedema matched for age and body mass index.

Comparison of Different Exercise Protocols for Diagnosed With Lipedema

This study was designed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with lipedema, and to determine the most effective exercise training protocol for this population.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation and Pedobarographic Correlation of Lower Extremity Muscles in Lipedema Patients

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the lower extremity muscle structure, lower extremity alignment, and foot posture in lipedema; secondly, to reveal the chain relationship and biomechanical problems that may be observed in lipedema patients. Lipedema is a condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation that can lead to walking difficulties and joint problems. We will use ultrasonography to measure muscle thickness and tendon structures, and a pedobarography system to analyze foot pressure distribution during standing and walking. By comparing 50 women diagnosed lipedema with 50 healthy volunteers, we aim to identify the musculoskeletal causes of gait disorders in lipedema to help develop better prevention and treatment strategies

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Enriched Rehabilitation in Individuals With Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic inflammatory disorder of adipose tissue that predominantly affects women and is associated with estrogen-mediated mechanisms. \[1\] Conservative physiotherapy approaches, including exercise, compression therapy, complex decongestive therapy (CDT), and behavioral interventions, are recommended for the management of lipedema. \[2,3\] Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a neuromodulation method that may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and exert metabolic and autonomic regulatory effects. \[4\] These effects suggest that taVNS may serve as a complementary intervention to exercise and conservative physiotherapy approaches in the management of chronic low-grade inflammation, one of the pathophysiological components of lipedema. In light of this evidence, the aim of this study is to comparatively investigate the effects of taVNS-enhanced rehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation on lower extremity function, pain, and quality of life in individuals with lipedema.

The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Pain Level and Biochemical Parameters in Women With Lipedema

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 3-month Mediterranean diet-based intervention on anthropometric and metabolic outcomes, pain and central sensitisation-related symptoms in women with lipedema. Methods: In this non-randomised controlled intervention study, 86 women with lipedema were enrolled and 67 completed the study (intervention, n 33; control, n 34). Participants were allocated alternately according to enrolment order. The intervention group received an individualised energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (1300-1500 kcal/d) for 3 months, whereas controls received no dietary intervention. MEDAS, CSI and VAS scores, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical and inflammatory parameters were assessed. Results: After 3 months, the intervention group showed improvements in anthropometric measures and lipid profile, whereas changes in inflammatory markers were limited. MEDAS scores increased from 4.8 to 10.7, CSI scores decreased from 40.2 to 16.3 and VAS scores decreased from 4.1 to 0.9; corresponding changes in controls were 4.1 to 2.7, 41.2 to 43.4 and 3.7 to 5.0, respectively (all between-group changes, p \< 0.001). In the intervention group, higher MEDAS scores remained significantly associated with lower pain after accounting for body-weight change (β = -0.471, p= 0.005), whereas body-weight change was not significantly associated with final VAS score (β = 0.201, p= 0.208). Conclusions: A 3-month Mediterranean diet-based intervention was associated with improvements in pain, central sensitisation-related symptoms and anthropometric and metabolic outcomes in women with lipedema. Larger randomised controlled trials with longer follow-up are warranted.

Pain, Central Sensitization, and Misophonia in Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic condition that predominantly affects women and is characterized by disproportionate, usually symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous fat, particularly in the hips and legs. Pain, tenderness, easy bruising, fatigue, and psychological symptoms may substantially affect daily functioning and quality of life. Misophonia involves intense negative reactions to specific sounds, but its relationship with lipedema remains unclear. This observational case-control study aims to investigate misophonia symptoms in women with lipedema compared with women without lipedema and to explore their associations with pain and psychosocial factors. The prespecified primary outcome measure is central sensitization severity, assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory. Secondary outcome measures include misophonia symptom severity, pain intensity, pressure pain thresholds, pain catastrophizing, sleep quality, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and body image. The study will compare these outcomes between groups and examine their associations with misophonia symptoms.

Physical Therapy in Lipedema Surgery

The goal of this observational study or clinical trial is to know evaluate the effects of a modified Complete Decongestive Therapy protocol using the Godoy Method in the postoperative period following lipedema surgery. The main question it aims to answer are: * if the treatment is effective on pain reduction, edema resorption, mobility improvement in short term and follow-up at 90 days * if the treatment is effective on preventing complications of these participants after surgery Participants have been treated in the lasts years and authors recover information of the effects of the treatment. Researchers will compare sub-groups of participants depending on the number of physical therapy sessions received

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Duke Activity Status Index in Women With Lipedema

This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) in women with lipedema. DASI is a 12-item questionnaire designed to assess functional capacity based on activities of daily living. The study will examine the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Turkish DASI and investigate its validity by examining its relationships with functional exercise capacity, lower extremity function, and health-related quality of life. The findings are expected to determine whether the Turkish DASI is a valid and reliable tool for assessing functional capacity in women with lipedema.

Manual and Self-Lymphatic Drainage Combined With Exercise in Women With Lipedema

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.

Joint Hypermobility and Associated Factors in Patients With Lipedema

The aim of this observational study is to determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility in female patients with lipedema compared to healthy volunteers. Additionally, the study investigates how the presence of hypermobility in lipedema patients relates to the clinical and ultrasonographic stage of the disease, regional pain severity, pain sensitivity, postural status (such as genu valgum and foot overpronation), quality of life, and physical activity levels. The study includes 65 female patients clinically diagnosed with lipedema and 65 healthy female volunteers matched for age and body mass index.

Sarcopenia and Related Factors in Lipedema

Lipedema is a common disease of subcutaneous adipose tissue. The most common complaint of patients with swelling in the affected extremity is pain. In addition, patients with lipedema may experience conditions that can greatly affect the health and quality of life of the individual, such as loss of muscle strength and exercise capacity, and deterioration in activity levels of daily living. It is still unknown whether the decrease in muscle strength in patients with lipedema is part of this condition or whether decreased activity levels lead to decreased muscle strength. Sarcopenia is an important health problem characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass and muscle function. The relationship between muscle weakness and sarcopenia in patients with lipedema has not been investigated before. Early recognition of possible sarcopenia and functional limitations in these patients may be important to increase the ability of patients to participate in physical activity as part of their conservative management. There is no study in the literature investigating sarcopenia in patients with a diagnosis of lipedema. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients with a diagnosis of lipedema in terms of sarcopenia. In addition, the relationship between sarcopenia and age, body mass index, exercise frequency, lipedema type, and stage will be investigated in patients diagnosed with lipedema.

Investigation of Systemic Inflammation Markers in Lipedema

The aim of this study is to evaluate systemic inflammation in individuals with lipedema using hematological and biochemical inflammation indices and to examine the relationship between these indices and clinical findings. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate whether systemic inflammatory markers serve as objective biomarkers reflecting lipedema progression and clinical severity, and to assess their practical applicability in clinical practice. Hypothesis: Systemic inflammation markers are higher in the lipedema group compared to healthy controls, and these markers are associated with clinical severity.

Serum Magnesium Levels in Patients Diagnosed With Lipedema

Female patients diagnosed with lipedema will be divided into two groups based on their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores: PSQI ≤ 5 and PSQI \> 5. Age, body mass index (BMI), education level, menopausal status (reproductive period, perimenopausal period, postmenopausal period), number of births, duration of illness, occupation, marital status, disease stage, lipedema type, lower extremity functional scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale - Short Form (Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships...)

The Relationship Between Lipedema and Osteoporosis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between lipedema and osteoporosis and to examine factors that may be associated with osteoporosis in individuals with lipedema.

Validity and Reliability of the 2-Minute Step Test in Patients With Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive adipose tissue disorder that predominantly affects women and is characterized by symmetric, disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation in the lower extremities, pain, tenderness, and easy bruising. It is associated with reduced mobility and impaired functional capacity. Although the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) is a practical, low-cost measure of functional capacity that requires no equipment or large space, its validity and reliability have not been investigated in patients with lipedema. The aim of this study is to evaluate the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the 2MST in women with lipedema.

Efficacy of Complex Decongestive Therapy, Exercise and Diet in Women With Lipedema

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of standard physical therapy methods (Complex Decongestive Therapy, Pneumatic Compression, and Exercise) combined with two different nutritional approaches (personalized anti-inflammatory diet vs. standard healthy nutrition education) in women diagnosed with lower extremity lipedema.

Turkish Validation of the Rapprich Lipedema Symptomatic Assessment Questionnaire

Lipedema is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, primarily in the lower extremities, affecting women. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Rapprich Lipedema Symptomatic Assessment Questionnaire, which was originally developed by Rapprich et al. in 2010. Since a validated Turkish version is currently unavailable, this research will provide a standardized tool for clinicians to assess symptomatic severity in Turkish-speaking lipedema patients.

Effect of Ketosis on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Lipedema

Lipedema is a female progressive fat disorder, characterized by a symmetrical increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue in the lower extremities with the exception of the waist. The condition is often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed. The etiology is poorly understood. Affects about 11% of all women and may lead to pain and immobility. The pathophysiology may be related to sex hormones and inflammatory response. Lipedema fat has been reported not to respond to lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery, both in terms of weight loss and symptom reduction; including pain and quality of life. Clinical research on the effect of dietary interventions on lipedema does not exist, but a pilot study with a ketogenic diet showed a significant reduction in pain regardless of weight loss. The aim of the research project will be to investigate whether a ketogenic diet can be a treatment option for patients with lipedema. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare the effects of two diets. 1) energy-restricted ketogenic diet and 3) energy-restricted low-fat non-ketogenic diet for 8 weeks. Pain and quality of life will be mesured at start and immediately after the intervention. The hypothesis is that a ketogenic diet may reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Assessment of Venous Insufficiency and Clinical Features in Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation, pain, tenderness, edema, and functional impairment. Venous symptoms such as heaviness, swelling, and discomfort are frequently reported in individuals with lipedema; however, the relationship between venous Doppler ultrasonography findings and lipedema-related clinical manifestations remains insufficiently investigated. This cross-sectional controlled study aims to evaluate venous insufficiency parameters in patients with lipedema using Doppler ultrasonography and to examine their associations with pain severity, lower extremity function, disease severity, and quality of life.

The Effect of Lipedema on Knee Osteoarthritis

This study will be one of the few to examine the effect of lipedema on knee osteoarthritis in a comparative manner with a control group within the same osteoarthritis context. Although the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis has been extensively studied in the literature, the effect of specific adipose tissue pathologies, such as lipedema, on osteoarthritis has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to demonstrate the independent effect of lipedema on osteoarthritis, evaluate clinical and ultrasonographic parameters together, and contribute to early diagnosis and targeted rehabilitation strategies.