Lower extremity lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition associated with significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. The current gold-standard treatment is Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT); however, a substantial proportion of patients continue to experience persistent symptoms during the maintenance phase. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) as an adjunct to standard CDT maintenance therapy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an active ESWT group or a sham ESWT group, with both groups continuing standard CDT maintenance throughout the study. ESWT will be administered twice weekly for five sessions. Changes in limb volume, skin thickness and subcutaneous tissue thickness assessed by ultrasonography, pain, functional status, and quality of life will be evaluated at baseline, after treatment, and at one-month follow-up.
Adults aged 18 to 80 years
Clinical diagnosis of lower extremity lymphedema established at least 6 months prior to enrollment
Completion of at least one cycle of CDT Phase 1 (intensive decongestive phase) within the preceding six months
Currently in CDT Phase 2 (maintenance phase) with active use of compression garments
Active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Active infection
Lower extremity vascular diseases including deep vein thrombosis or arterial insufficiency
Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
Parallel
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
DeviceRadial shock wave therapy will be applied using the EMS Swiss DolorClast® device. Each session will consist of 3,000 impulses delivered at 20 Hz and 2 bar using a 40 mm applicator, targeting fibrotic tissue regions and periinguinal and peripopliteal lymph node areas. ESWT will be administered twice weekly for five sessions
Sham Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (Sham ESWT)
DeviceSham ESWT will be applied with identical positioning and session duration as the active ESWT group. Only non-energized impulses will be delivered, ensuring participant blinding. Sham ESWT will be administered twice weekly for five sessions.
Change in Lower Extremity Limb Volume
Change in lower extremity limb volume calculated using the truncated cone formula. Volume will be estimated from circumferential measurements taken at 4 cm intervals from approximately 2 cm proximal to the medial malleolus to the inguinal region, with the patient in the supine position.
Change in Lower Extremity Circumferential Measurements
Change in lower extremity circumferential measurements taken at 4 cm intervals from approximately 2 cm proximal to the medial malleolus to the inguinal region, with the patient in the supine position using a non-elastic tape measure. The difference between baseline and post-treatment values will be compared between groups.
Change in Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness Assessed by Ultrasonography
Change in skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness measured by B-mode linear ultrasonography at standardized anatomical sites on the affected lower extremity. Three measurements will be obtained at each site and averaged.
Change in Lymphedema-Specific Quality of Life (LYMQOL-Leg)
Lymphedema-specific quality of life will be assessed using the LYMQOL-Leg questionnaire, a patient-reported outcome measure consisting of 22 items evaluating function, body image, symptoms, and emotional well-being. Each item is scored from 1 to 4, and an overall quality of life score is rated separately on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Change in Lower Extremity Functional Status (LEFS)
Lower extremity functional status will be assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). The LEFS consists of 20 items, each scored from 0 to 4, yielding a total score ranging from 0 (extreme difficulty or inability to perform all activities) to 80 (no difficulty), with higher scores indicating better functional status.
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