Lipedema is a chronic and painful adipose tissue disorder that primarily affects women and is characterized by abnormal adipose tissue accumulation, mainly in the lower limbs. The condition is associated with substantial physical and psychological morbidity and negatively impacts daily functioning. Effective treatment options remain limited and are largely restricted to conservative approaches such as compression therapy and pain management. The LipidEx study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06558851; first registered 07 October 2024) aims to investigate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as a novel therapeutic approach for women with lipedema. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial with sequential intervention and control periods to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of HIIT compared with a control period of usual daily activities. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two sequences, such that all participants undergo both the intervention and control conditions. The primary outcome is change in pain. Secondary outcomes include changes in quality of life and adipose tissue mass. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06558851. Date of first registration: 07 October 2024.
Sæther et al. (Mon,) studied this question.