Respiratory and Relaxation Training in Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Complex Decongestive Therapy: Standard Complex Decongestive Therapy consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy (bandaging and/or compression garments), skin care education, and therapeutic exercises. Treatment will be provided in 15 sessions according to the standard clinical protocol.

Respiratory and Relaxation Training: A structured respiratory and relaxation program performed after each Complex Decongestive Therapy session. The intervention includes diaphragmatic breathing, thoracic expansion exercises, prolonged expiration breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation or breathing awareness exercises for approximately 10-20 minutes per session. Participants will also be instructed to perform the exercises at home once or twice daily.

Study summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of respiratory and relaxation training added to standard complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on muscle oxygenation, functional capacity, and limb volume in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard CDT alone or CDT combined with respiratory and relaxation exercises. Outcomes will be assessed before treatment, immediately after treatment, and two months after completion.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Muscle Oxygen Saturation — Baseline, immediately after 15 treatment sessions, and 2-month follow-up
  Muscle oxygen saturation will be assessed using a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy device placed over the vastus lateralis muscle. SmO₂ values will be recorded before, during, and after the Six-Minute Walk Test.

Trial sites (1)

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