Lipedema is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, primarily in the lower extremities, affecting women. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Rapprich Lipedema Symptomatic Assessment Questionnaire, which was originally developed by Rapprich et al. in 2010. Since a validated Turkish version is currently unavailable, this research will provide a standardized tool for clinicians to assess symptomatic severity in Turkish-speaking lipedema patients.
This cross-sectional study will involve 180 female participants diagnosed with lipedema (Stages I, II, and III). Participants will be recruited from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinics of Marmara University and Sultan 2. Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital. Assessments will include: * Demographic data (age, BMI). * Physical examinations (waist-hip ratio, limb circumference, and volume calculations). * Functional testing (6-minute walk test). * The Turkish version of the Rapprich Lipedema Symptomatic Assessment -Questionnaire (15 items scored 0-10). * The SF-36 Health Survey for criterion validity. Statistical analysis will include Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability (14-day interval), and Exploratory/Confirmatory Factor Analysis for construct validity.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
180
Turkish version of Rapprich Lipedema Symptomatic Assessment Questionnaire: A 15-item scale used to evaluate the severity of lipedema symptoms (such as pain, tension, tenderness, bruising, and heaviness) on a 0-10 point rating scale. Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey: A widely used, validated scale to assess the general health status and quality of life across eight sub-dimensions, used in this study for criterion validity
* Anthropometric and Vital Measurements: Recording of demographic data (age, height, weight, BMI), as well as arterial blood pressure and pulse rate. * Lipedema-Specific Assessment: Clinical determination of the lipedema stage (Stages I-III) and type (Types I-V). * Morphometric Measurements: Measurement of waist and hip circumferences (for waist-to-hip ratio) and actual leg length. * Lower Extremity Volume Calculation: Circular circumference measurements taken at 4 cm intervals starting from the ankle to calculate the total volume of both lower extremities. * 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT): A functional test to evaluate the total walking distance and heart rate response, assessing the patient's functional capacity.
Sultan 2. Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul, Kadıköy, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGMarmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul, Pendik, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGInternal Consistency (Cronbach's Alpha)
Evaluation of the internal consistency of the 15-item Turkish Rapprich Lipedema Questionnaire.
Time frame: At baseline (Day 0).
Test-Retest Reliability (ICC)
Agreement between two measurements taken 14 days apart in a subgroup of 40 patients.
Time frame: Baseline and 14 days
Criterion Validity (Correlation with SF-36).
Correlation between Rapprich questionnaire scores and the 8 sub-dimensions of the SF-36 quality of life scale.
Time frame: At baseline (Day 0)
M. Selim Eryılmaz, Res. Asst.
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