Exercise improves healing of diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Exercise Enhances Wound Healing in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Run by University of New Mexico · NCT04791449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a 12-week exercise program can help people with Type 2 diabetes heal their foot ulcers faster compared to just standard wound care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of New Mexico Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 10, 2021 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2035 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2035 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04791449 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-80 with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers classified as WIfI stage 2 or lower.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are immunocompromised, have infections, or cannot provide consent will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how a medically supervised exercise program affects the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It involves recruiting sixty participants from the University of New Mexico's Center for Healing in the Lower Extremity clinic, who will be randomly assigned to either standard wound care or standard care plus a 12-week exercise program. The primary measure of success will be the time taken for the ulcers to reach the maturation phase of healing. Participants will be screened for eligibility based on specific health criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the healing process for patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that exercise can positively impact wound healing, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of type 2 diabetes * 20 - 80 years of age * Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) \> 0.6 or Toe Pressure (TcPO2) \> 40 mmHg * recent (within 12 weeks) blood glucose value between 100 - 350 mg/dL * recent (within 12 weeks) HbA1c value \< 14 %, * DFU of WIfI Grade 2 or less * fluency in reading and speaking English or Spanish. Exclusion Criteria: * inability to provide own consent * inability to obtain permission to participate from a medical professional * lack of consistent mode of transportation to UNMH * infection to any part of the body * patients that has had a transplant and/or is immunocompromised * prisoners.
Where it's running
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UNM Cardiac Rehabilitation Services
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric J Lew, DPM — University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Ann L Wells, PhD
- Email: AnLWells@salud.unm.edu
- Phone: 505-272-4107
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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BIOxHEAL plus standard care for nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers
A multicenter study tests whether applying BIOxHEAL, a placental-derived biologic, to stubborn diabetic foot ulcers helps more people heal when added to standard wound care.
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Calcaneal Bone Marrow Cells in Foot/Ankle Surgery Patients
This observational study tests whether routine preoperative blood tests relate to the quality and behavior of mesenchymal stem cells from calcaneal bone marrow in adults undergoing foot or ankle surgery.
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L-Carnitine as an add-on for healing diabetic foot ulcers
This study tests whether taking L-Carnitine helps wound healing in adults with diabetic foot ulcers, alongside standard diabetes and wound care.
-
THERAVEX Tissue Care Spray Plus for Healing of Skin Wounds and Ulcers
This observational review tests whether THERAVEX Tissue Care Spray Plus, used with standard wound care, helps heal various skin wounds and chronic ulcers in adults.
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Pulsating electromagnetic field therapy for diabetic foot ulcers
This trial tests whether a PEMF device called CRAD ULCER X-01 helps heal chronic diabetic foot ulcers when added to standard wound care.
-
Transverse tibial bone transport to help heal chronic diabetic foot ulcers
This study tests a surgical approach called transverse tibial bone transport to see if it can help heal long‑lasting diabetic foot ulcers and prevent limb loss in adults with limited treatment options.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.