The efficacy of change in limb volume on functional mobility, health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression in patients with lower extremity lymphedema

Objectives This study aims to investigate the impact of change in limb volume on the levels of functional mobility, health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression before and after complex decongestive physiotherapy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Method Twenty-seven patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema were included. The treatment period was 20 sessions. The outcome measures were the limb volume, the Timed Up and Go test, the Short Form-36, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results A statistically significant decrease in the limb volume (p 0.05). Conclusion The decrease in the limb volume improves the functional mobility, physical health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression in patients with lower extremity lymphedema, but not the mental health-related quality of life