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Complex Decongestive Therapy Improves Gait Speed in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema
Evrim Gökçe1, Neslişah Gün2, Ülkü Düzlü Öztürk1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Lymphatic Research and Biology
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) improved mobility and dual-tasking abilities in patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema (LLL). While foot tapping scores did not change, gait speed and dual-task cost significantly improved after CDT.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Oncology Nursing
Background:
- Secondary lymphedema (LLL) is an acquired condition resulting from lymphatic system damage.
- Impaired mobility is a significant challenge for patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema, often following cancer treatment.
- Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is a common treatment for lymphedema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on motor function and mobility in patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema (LLL).
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental study involved 24 participants with stage 2 LLL receiving 15 CDT sessions.
- Motor function was assessed using the foot tapping test (FTT).
- Gait speed was measured under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions, with DT cost calculated before and after CDT.
Main Results:
- Following CDT, significant improvements were observed in both single-task and dual-task gait speed (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively).
- Dual-task cost also decreased significantly (p = 0.001), indicating enhanced dual-tasking ability.
- Bilateral foot tapping test scores showed no significant change after the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) effectively enhances mobility and dual-tasking capabilities in individuals with secondary lower limb lymphedema (LLL).
- These improvements suggest that CDT can contribute to greater independence in daily life for LLL patients.
- Further prospective controlled studies are recommended to validate these findings.
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