View clinical trials related to Lymphedema.
Filter by:During the Covid-19 pandemic, rehabilitation services for all patients were affected, and a term that was previously in use but gained popularity during the pandemic entered our vocabulary: 'Telerehabilitation'. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the treatment process and adherence of patients undergoing telerehabilitation.
This study will conduct clinical trials to explore the mechanisms behind the development of upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. The investigators will recruit patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery and utilize Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography and Lymphoscintigraphy to identify the locations of lymphatic blockages. Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) will be used to detect changes in tissue limb compliance. DXA body composition analysis will measure the differences in the composition ratios between edematous and normal limbs. In addition, diffusion correlation spectrometry will be employed to monitor changes in deep tissue blood flow, complemented by continuous measurements of limb circumference and other physiological parameters. The study aims to explore the interrelationships among lymphatic circulation, limb circumference, tissue compliance, and tissue blood flow rates.
Lymphedema occurs not only in patients with breast cancer and gynecological cancers but also in those where lymphatic drainage is obstructed. Accumulation of lymphatic fluid within tissues results in limb swelling. Additionally, proteins present in lymphatic fluid might lead to fibrosis within tissues, causing various challenges for patients. The changes in volume and weight can significantly impact daily life activities such as eating, brushing teeth, and other routine tasks. Furthermore, it can lead to clothing difficulties and provoke unwanted attention due to aesthetic concerns. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for lymphedema. However, prospective research has shown promising results in applying extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), originally used for musculoskeletal disorders like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, and non-union fractures, to lymphedema patients. Similarly, Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT), widely used for pain management and muscle strengthening, has the potential for treating lymphedema as it can enhance blood circulation and stimulate muscle contractions. This research project aims to explore the effectiveness and sustainability of using ESWT and PEMFT for lymphedema patients. By applying these therapies to lymphedema patients, this study aims to evaluate their treatment outcomes and long-term effects.
Research investigating measurement properties for evaluating the decongestive treatment effect on different edema characteristics (e.g. water volume, hardness of the skin, water content,..) at the level of the lower limbs is missing. Information about the clinical relevant change criteria after treatment for nearly all these edema characteristics, is not present and requires investigation. To assess the merits of each treatment in a reproducible manner, a reliable way of measuring limb volume and other edema characteristics must be established, as the evaluation of treatment effects without appropriate tools might lead to biased treatment effects. First of all, in clinical practice, it is of utmost importance to know which edema characteristics need to be evaluated in order to assess the clinical evolution of a patient with lymphedema during and after treatment. Secondly, in order to draw proper conclusions about the treatment effect, it is necessary that to know from which criterion (or cut-off value) one can speak of a real clinical change for a certain lymphedema characteristic. Given that the edema characteristics that are most responsive to treatment and their corresponding criteria for clinically significant and relevant changes at the lower limbs have never been investigated before, the need for this research is high. Therefore, the research questions in this study are: Which measurement tool(s) are able to detect clinically relevant changes in the lymphedema characteristics after the intensive treatment and during the maintenance treatment? When can a clinician speak of a clinically relevant change?
To determine whether body awareness and upper extremity functionality are affected in patients with or without lymphedema development after breast cancer surgery in comparison with individuals without a history of cancer.
The goal of this observational study is to determine the relationship between Lymphedema and Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Breast Cancer Patients. The main questions it aims to answer: - Is there a relationship between the stage of lymphedema and the frequency of accompanying myofascial pain syndrome in the breast cancer patients? - Does the existence of lymphedema in breast cancer patients affect the distribution and the pain threshold values of trigger points seen in Myofascial Pain Syndrome? - What is the impact of Myofascial pain syndrome seen in breast cancer associted lymhedema patients on upper extremity function and quality of life?
The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of shear-wave elastography for the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer related lymphedema by assessing the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the arm and forearm, which could serve as a reference standard and be more easily applicable in daily life; and to investigate the relationship between the patients' symptoms and elastographic measurements.
Lymphedema is an external manifestation of lymphatic system insufficiency and deranged lymph transport. It is defined as accumulation in the extracellular space of protein-rich fluid, due to a mechanical failure of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema directly affects the quality of life of the patient, not only in the physical aspect, but also in the psychological, sexual and social aspects. Muscle and joint pumps are important external mechanisms of lymphatic and venous fluid return improvement. The unstable shoes demands, especially during standing, increased muscle activity in the lower extremities. A clinical trial was carried out comparing both kinds of footwear, the objective being to evaluate possible differences in the evolution of lymphedema. Unstable shoes (MBT®) were compared with conventional sports shoes. During a clinical trial lasting eight weeks, we assessed quality of life, limb volume, and symptoms derived from lymphedema. The results suggested that the use of unstable shoes is recommendable for walking and for long periods of standing, since it decreases leg cramping and paraesthesia of affected limbs.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of simple hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises to the usual care for upper extremity lymphedema will reduce limb volume and improve the quality of life, hand dexterity, and grip strength for those experiencing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Researchers will compare those receiving the usual treatment to those receiving the usual treatment plus hand mobility and grip strengthening exercises.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition causing fluid buildup in affected limbs. Traditional treatments often fall short, but subcutaneous implantation of hydrophobic silicone tubes shows promise, creating artificial drainage pathways. This approach proved effective in managing obstructive lymphedema in lower limbs. Further research is needed to validate its efficacy and explore long-term outcomes.