Aerobic Exercise Effects in Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Kinesiophobia will be assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), a 17-item questionnaire with a total score ranging from 17 to 68. Change in score from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated. Higher scores indicate greater kinesiophobia.

All ultrasonographic measurements will be performed by the same experienced examiner under standardized conditions and will be assessed using B-mode ultrasonography.

Quadriceps muscle thickness and subcutaneous tissue thickness will be assessed at standardized anatomical landmarks of the anterior thigh. Subcutaneous tissue thickness will be assessed at standardized anatomical sites of the lower limb. Measurements will be recorded in millimeters (mm). Greater thickness indicates increased muscle mass or subcutaneous tissue thickness, respectively. Change in muscle thickness from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated.

Subcutaneous tissue echogenicity will be assessed by analyzing grayscale intensity values within a defined region of interest using B-mode ultrasonography. Echogenicity will be quantified in grayscale values (arbitrary units). Higher values indicate increased echogenicity.

Balance performance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), a 14-item performance-based measure with a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (0-4), with higher scores indicating better balance. Change in score from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated.

Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, which measures the time (in seconds) required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down. Change in time from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated. Higher times indicate poorer functional mobility.

Lower limb functional status will be assessed using the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), a 25-item patient-reported outcome measure with a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Scores are typically expressed as a percentage, with higher scores indicating better functional status. Change in score from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated.

Fatigue severity will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a 9-item self-reported questionnaire with each item scored from 1 to 7. The total score is calculated as the mean of the items, ranging from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. Change in score from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated.

Depression will be assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a 21-item self-reported questionnaire with a total score ranging from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms. Change in score from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated.

Lymphedema-related quality of life will be assessed using the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (LYMQOL), a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure including domains such as function, appearance, symptoms, and mood. Domain scores and overall score range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating worse quality of life. Change in scores from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated.

Functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures the distance walked in meters over 6 minutes. Change in distance from baseline to post-treatment will be evaluated. Greater distances indicate better functional performance.