Joint Hypermobility and Associated Factors in Patients With Lipedema

NCT07808242 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025/26-27
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 130
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this observational study is to determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility in female patients with lipedema compared to healthy volunteers. Additionally, the study investigates how the presence of hypermobility in lipedema patients relates to the clinical and ultrasonographic stage of the disease, regional pain severity, pain sensitivity, postural status (such as genu valgum and foot overpronation), quality of life, and physical activity levels. The study includes 65 female patients clinically diagnosed with lipedema and 65 healthy female volunteers matched for age and body mass index.

Conditions

Lipedema; Hypermobility, Joint

Keywords

Joint Hypermobility; Beighton Score; Lipedema; Connective Tissue Laxity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Beighton Score

  The Beighton Scoring System is used to assess generalized joint hypermobility. Total scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 9. A higher score indicates a greater degree of joint hypermobility (a worse outcome). A score of 5 or higher is considered positive for generalized joint hypermobility.

  Baseline (measured at the time of enrollment)

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Pain Intensity

  Baseline

• Algometric Assessment

  Baseline

• Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Thickness

  Baseline

• Nottingham Health Profile (NHP)

  Baseline

• International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF)

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Lipedema Group

Women diagnosed with lipedema according to clinical criteria.

Control Group

Healthy female volunteers matched for age and BMI, without lipedema diagnosis.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Lipedema Group: Female patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, who were clinically diagnosed with lipedema based on detailed physical examination and clinical assessments. The participants were evaluated and recruited at the Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic. Control Group: Healthy female volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years, who were strictly matched to the lipedema group in terms of age and Body Mass Index (BMI).

You may qualify if:

• For Lipedema Group:
• Aged between 18-65 years. Diagnosed with lipedema. Willing to participate in the study. Having a socio-cultural level suitable for study participation.
• For Control Group:
• Aged between 18-65 years. Willing to participate in the study. Having a socio-cultural level suitable for study participation.

You may not qualify if:

• For Lipedema Group:
• Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction. Chronic venous insufficiency and/or lymphedema (Stage 4 lipedema). Acute or chronic renal failure. Heart failure. Active cancer or ongoing cancer treatment. Presence of neurological disease. Presence of rheumatological disease. History of liposuction or major surgery for lipedema within the last 6 months. Visual or hearing impairment severe enough to affect study compliance. Illiteracy or cognitive impairment preventing the ability to give written informed consent.
• For Control Group:
• Previous diagnosis of lipedema, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency. History of rheumatologic, neurologic, endocrinologic, or cardiovascular diseases.
• Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction. History of acute or chronic renal failure, heart failure, active cancer, or ongoing cancer treatment.
• Orthopedic problems affecting lower extremities, trauma, or history of liposuction/major surgery within the last 6 months.
• Regular use of medications that may affect pain threshold (e.g., systemic corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, etc.).
• Physical barriers affecting pain assessment (algometry, VAS) or postural observation (e.g., severe vision/hearing loss, local skin lesions, amputation, etc.).
• Cognitive impairment or lack of literacy preventing written informed consent. Psychiatric illness preventing compliance with the study process or communication problems affecting cooperation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dokuz Eylul University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine Hospital

Izmir, 35330, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Lipedema; Joint Instability

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Connective Tissue Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases; Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 31, 2026
• First Posted: September 8, 2026
• Study Start: August 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 15, 2026
• Study Completion: April 15, 2026
• Last Updated: September 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)