High-frequency, low-amplitude vibration device to speed healing of diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Development of a novel device for diabetic wound healing using high-frequency, low amplitude vibration
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11291877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A handheld vibration device is being used to help people with diabetes heal stage 2 foot ulcers faster and feel better sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | February 25, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $244,377 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK141983-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11291877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diabetes who have stage 2 diabetic foot ulcers and meet the study's health and wound-care criteria are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with more severe (stage 3 or 4) ulcers, active severe infections, or non-diabetic wounds may not benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
You would receive brief, high-frequency, low-amplitude vibration therapy applied to a stage 2 diabetic foot ulcer using a device called the Driver. The team will refine the device to include thermography sensors to track blood flow and tissue temperature while comparing outcomes to standard wound care. The study will measure how long wounds take to close and how the treatment affects your quality of life. If safe and helpful, the researchers plan to adapt the approach for a wider range of diabetic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could shorten healing time for stage 2 diabetic foot ulcers, lower complication risk, and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies and physiological data suggest vibration can boost blood flow, but this specific device and protocol are novel and need clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patterson, Rita Marie — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Patterson, Rita Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.