The BeCoMe trial is a multicenter pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in collaboration between the University of Antwerp / UZA (main institution), KU Leuven / UZ Leuven, and UZ Gent.The target population of this project are patients suffering from chronic edema / lymphedema of the lower limbs.In these patients, in addition to standard care during the intensive treatment phase, "intensified compression" will be applied to increase the effectiveness of compression therapy using a multi-component bandage. This intensified compression involves reapplying the bandage three times a day. The multi-component bandage includes tubular bandages, padding material, and inelastic (short-stretch) bandages.Standard care consists of complex decongestive therapy, including skin care and soft tissue techniques, exercise therapy, patient education, and compression as currently defined in the physiotherapy reimbursement system, with one application of a multi-component inelastic compression bandage per day.The primary outcome is the number of treatment sessions required to achieve a non-pitting edema and to maintain this result during the maintenance phase.Secondary outcomes focus on quality of life, treatment adherence, and patient experience with the intensified compression, as well as the time and cost-effectiveness of the intensified compression.The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of the Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Unit GRID-Oncology at KU Leuven (Prof. Nele Devoogdt), and the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Research Unit Vascular Surgery at KU Leuven (Prof. Sarah Thomis), in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Antwerp, Research Group MOVANT (Prof. Nick Gebruers), are looking for a full-time (100%) PhD student in the field of edema rehabilitation.We offer a doctoral scholarship (PhD fellowship) for a period of one year. After a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be extended for an additional three years.The planned start date is October 20, 2025 (subject to availability).You will primarily carry out your work at Campus Gasthuisberg of KU Leuven and Campus Pellenberg of the University Hospital Leuven, in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.Within this position, your responsibilities will include :
Research • Leuven, BE