Postural Stability in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema

Abstract

Background: Impaired mobility and musculoskeletal dysfunctions are commonly seen in patients with lymphedema and can affect the balance system in patients in whom the lower limb is affected. This study aims at comparing postural stability between patients with lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and healthy subjects. Methods and Results: This controlled study included 36 patients with LLL (LLL group) and 36 healthy subjects (control group). Fall risk, stability index, and Fourier index measurements of Tetrax (R) Interactive Balance System were compared. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of demographics parameters (p > 0.05). Some stability and Fourier index measurements were significantly higher in subjects in the LLL group than in the control group. However, the fall risk was not statistically different in patients with LLL than healthy subjects (p > 0.05). Conclusion: LLL may cause balance impairments. However, this impairment may not lead to increased fall risk. The evaluation of postural stability in LLL patients would be a useful addition to routine clinical practice due to the relationship between LLL and balance impairments.