Effects of Complex Decongestive Therapy Applied on Patients With Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Investigation of the Effects of Complex Decongestive Therapy Applied on Patients With Lower Extremity Lymphedema on Body Awareness, Functionality and Quality of Life

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of complex decongestive therapy applied to patients with lymphedema in the lower extremities on body awareness, functionality and quality of life.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by the permanent accumulation of protein-rich fluid in certain body regions as a result of the dysfunction of the lymphatic system, in which skin and subcutaneous changes are added to the picture. Pain in the affected extremity and other accompanying lymphedema symptoms can negatively affect functionality and quality of life, and swelling in the extremity can negatively affect the body image of individuals. Today, Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is accepted as the gold standard in the treatment of lymphedema. It has been shown in the literature that CDT has positive effects on parameters such as functionality, quality of life, and balance in patients with upper limb lymphedema. There are few studies investigating the effects of CDT on body awareness, functionality and quality of life in patients who developed lymphedema in the lower extremities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be between the ages of 18-65
• Having unilateral lymphedema in the lower extremity
• Volunteer to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having bilateral lower extremity lymphedema
• Having an active infection
• Having a mental cognitive disorder
• Being unable to communicate and cooperate
• Conditions where manual lymphatic drainage is contraindicated (such as severe heart failure and/or uncontrolled rhythm disturbance, uncontrollable hypertension, being pregnant, presence of thrombus, active infection ect.)
• Presence of metastases