Wearable vibration to improve movement and reduce pain in diabetic nerve damage
Official title: Wearable focal vibration on mobility and pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11226229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable vibration device is tested for four weeks to help adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy walk better and experience less pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,497,985 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141800-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11226229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with diabetic peripheral neuropathy experiencing abnormal gait and pain.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience noticeable improvement in mobility or pain with this intervention.
What this research studies
This project tests a wearable focal vibration device over eight weeks in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Participants will wear the device for four weeks, with a sham version used for comparison to see its effect on mobility and pain, and follow-up assessments at four weeks post-treatment. The study aims to identify who benefits most and what factors influence response, with results to help guide future care for neuropathy-related mobility and pain. If successful, this approach could become a convenient, non-drug option to improve daily function and comfort for people living with DPN.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better mobility and less pain from a wearable, non-invasive therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest wearable focal vibration may improve mobility and reduce pain, supporting further testing in a larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hongwu — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hongwu
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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.