Progressive muscle relaxation plus walking to reduce fatigue in adults on dialysis

Fight Fatigue: A Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Walking Intervention to Reduce Fatigue in Adults With ESKD

NA · University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT07014111

This program will try progressive muscle relaxation combined with regular walking to see if it reduces fatigue for adults receiving in-center hemodialysis.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT07014111 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The trial enrolls adults with end-stage kidney disease receiving in-center hemodialysis who report clinically meaningful fatigue. Participants are randomized to a combined progressive muscle relaxation and walking program or an attention-control condition, with support delivered in part by text messages. The team will track feasibility measures (adherence, retention) and acceptability (participant feedback) while measuring changes in fatigue and functional ability. Eligible patients must be English-speaking, able to stand and walk one block, have a cell phone for texts, and have been on hemodialysis for at least three months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with end-stage kidney disease on in-center hemodialysis for ≥3 months who report fatigue (VAS ≥4), can stand and walk one block, read English, and have a cell phone that receives texts.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable angina or pulmonary disease, major lower-extremity amputation without a prosthetic, significant cognitive impairment, inability to walk, or whose nephrologist disallows participation are unlikely to benefit or to be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this low-risk program could reduce fatigue and improve daily functioning and quality of life for adults on hemodialysis.

How similar studies have performed: Prior trials of exercise and relaxation techniques have shown benefits for fatigue in dialysis populations, but combining progressive muscle relaxation with a walking program is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of ESKD diagnosis and receiving hemodialysis for at least 3 months
* Can read and speak English
* Fatigue measured via visual analogue scale, score ≥4 over the last week
* Able to stand and walk one block
* Has a cell phone that can receive text messages

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient's nephrologist refuses for them to participate
* Unstable angina
* Unstable pulmonary disease or pulmonary symptoms that preclude participation
* Lower-extremity amputation without prosthetic (BKA, AKA) -Orthopedic or neurologic condition that would preclude walking or tensing/releasing of muscles-
* Cognitive impairment that, in the judgement of the research team, precludes trial participation
* Participation in the formative phase of the development of Fight Fatigue

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: End Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis, Fatigue

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.