Effects of AQUA-lymphathic therapy on lower extremity lymphedema: Randomised controlled study

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Aqua-Lympathic Therapy (ALT) on unilateral lower extremity lymphedema in the maintanence phase. METHODS: Design of the study was single-blind randomized clinical trial. The study was completed with 30 ALT and 27 control group, a total of 57 patients. All assessments of the patients were performed by a blinded investigator. Foot volume was assessed with a water displacement device, limb volume with circumference measurements and active joint motion with goniometer, functional capacity with 6 minute walk test, quality of life with Short Form-36, social appearance with Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and hopeless with Beck Hopeless Scale. ALT and control group joined two group sessions of in a week for 6 weeks in addition to the self-management therapy directed by a physiotherapist. RESULTS: There were 24 (80%) female and 6 (20%) male patients in the ALT group. The mean age of ALT patients was 44.50 ± 13.69 years and mean Body Mass Index was 29.43 ± 7,90 kg/m2. There were 23 (85.2%) female and 4 (14.8%) male in the ALT group. The mean age of control patients was 47.66 ± 16.82 years and Body Mass Index was 29.43 ± 8.07 kg/m2. After the treatment, both groups measurements of edema, functional levels, quality of life, social and future concerns improved significantly but this improvement was higher in the ALT group (p< 0.05, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: ALT was found to be a safe effective method for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema patients during maintenance phase of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy.