Validity and Reliability of the 2-Minute Step Test in Patients With Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive adipose tissue disorder that predominantly affects women and is characterized by symmetric, disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation in the lower extremities, pain, tenderness, and easy bruising. It is associated with reduced mobility and impaired functional capacity. Although the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) is a practical, low-cost measure of functional capacity that requires no equipment or large space, its validity and reliability have not been investigated in patients with lipedema. The aim of this study is to evaluate the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the 2MST in women with lipedema.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinically diagnosed with lipedema according to the Wold and Halk-Damstra criteria, stage 2 and above * Aged 18-65 years, female * No walking-limiting pathology * Willing to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension * Decompensated cardiac failure * Systemic, degenerative, neurological, rheumatological, or orthopedic disease affecting lower-extremity function * Lower-extremity surgery within the past 6 months * Peripheral artery disease causing vascular claudication * Severe psychiatric disorder (active psychosis, severe major depression) or cognitive impairment preventing compliance with test instructions * Neuromuscular disease * Pregnancy * Advanced-stage lipo-lymphedema severely restricting ambulation