Aquatic Versus Land-Based Exercise in Women With Lipedema
ConditionLipedema
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age35-45
SponsorCairo University
About this trial
To evaluate optimal workout environments, a 12-week study assigned women with moderate-to-severe lipedema to three distinct protocols: supervised pool workouts, equivalent land-based training, or basic standard monitoring. Researchers tracked walking endurance alongside tissue composition, fluid levels, pain intensity, and general well-being. The trial posited that structured activity beats routine care alone, with water-based exercise potentially offering superior relief due to buoyancy and hydrostatic fluid compression.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Women diagnosed with lipedema for at least five years
Had stage 2 or 3 and type 2 or 3 disease
Had a body mass index of ≥25 and <40 kg/m²
Able to walk independently, with or without their usual assistive device
Disqualifiers
Had clinically significant lymphedema, uncontrolled chronic venous insufficiency, acute thrombosis, or another major cause of lower-limb edema
Had open wounds, active skin infection, fever, or another infectious condition incompatible with pool use
Had uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or neurological disorder that could compromise exercise safety; a cardiac pacemaker or congestive heart failure; pregnancy; active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy
Had history of bariatric surgery, recent major surgery, or liposuction; current use of weight-loss medication
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
aquatic therapy
Other interventionHydotherapy for lipedema. Sessions will be conducted in a therapeutic pool maintained at approximately 28-30°C. Immersion depth will be individualized between the xiphoid process and shoulder level according to participant height, balance, symptom severity, and exercise tolerance.
land- based exercise
Other interventionSessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist and conducted in an area equipped with supportive chairs, stable handrails, low steps, exercise mats, and light resistance bands. Participants wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear.
usual care
Other interventionParticipants will receive a standardized education session at baseline addressing lipedema, skin care, symptom monitoring, avoidance of prolonged immobility, maintenance of habitual daily activity, and clinical warning signs requiring medical review
Treatment groups
60 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Aquatic therapy groupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: land-based exercise groupActive comparator 1 intervention
Group C: control groupOther 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Functional capacity measured by Six-Minute Walk Test
Participants will complete a seated rest period of at least 10 minutes before testing. The test will be conducted indoors along a straight 30-m corridor. Participants will be instructed to walk as far as possible during six minutes without running. Rest is permitted when necessary, although the timer continues throughout the test. The total distance walked will be recorded in meters. In the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), a greater distance (more meters walked) indicates better functional capacity, superior cardiorespiratory fitness, and greater lower-limb muscular endurance.
Time frame
12 weeksSecondary outcomes
1
Body Mass Index
Body weight is measured using a calibrated digital scale, and standing height is measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Standard World Health Organization adult ranges are: Underweight is below 18.5, Normal weight is 18.5 to 24.9, Overweight is 25 to 29.9, and Obesity is 30 or higher
Time frame
12 weeks2
Waist-to-Height Ratio
Waist circumference is measured using a non-elastic tape at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest at the end of normal expiration. The waist-to-height ratio was calculated by dividing waist circumference in centimeters by height in centimeters. Higher values indicate an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications
Time frame
12 weeks3
Three-Dimensional Lower-Limb Scanning
Bilateral lower-limb surface dimensions will be assessed using a three-dimensional optical body scanner. Participants will be scanned barefoot in a standardized upright position with consistent foot placement, lower-limb alignment, clothing, and distance from the scanner.
Time frame
12 weeks4
Symptom-Related Outcomes
Pain severity, limb heaviness, limb tenderness, and global symptom burden will be evaluated using an 11-point numeric rating scale, where 0 indicates no symptom and 10 indicates the worst imaginable symptom
Time frame
12 weeksLocations
Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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