Complex Decongestive Therapy Improves Gait Speed in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema.

Abstract

Background: Secondary lymphedema is acquired and caused by obstruction or injury to a normally developed lymphatic system. Loss of mobility is a common problem in patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema (LLL) following cancer treatment. In this study, we examined the effect of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on motor function and mobility in patients with LLL. Methods and Results: A quasi-experimental study was performed with 24 participants with stage 2 LLL (56.04 ± 14.23 years). Participants received 15 sessions of CDT. Motor function was assessed with a foot tapping test (FTT). Gait speed was measured in single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions, and DT cost was calculated. All assessments were performed before and after the intervention. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the effect of CDT on FTT, gait speed, and DT cost. ST and DT gait speed (p = 0.002, p < 0.001) and DT cost (p = 0.001) decreased following the CDT, whereas bilateral FTT scores did not change. Conclusion: CDT improves mobility and dual-tasking in LLL, thereby promoting independence in daily life. Future prospective controlled studies are required to corroborate our results.