Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Progressive muscle relaxation to ease depression and fatigue during hemodialysis

Official title: The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Depression and Fatigue in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Istanbul Aydın University · NCT07512895 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will try whether guided progressive muscle relaxation can reduce depression and fatigue in people receiving hemodialysis.

More Hemodialysis trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorIstanbul Aydın University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Istanbul, Istanbul and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 1, 2025
Main results expectedApril 1, 2026
Study endsMay 1, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT07512895 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults who receive regular hemodialysis, can understand and perform relaxation exercises, and score 4 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory are ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients with diagnosed major psychiatric disorders, significant hearing/visual/cognitive impairments, musculoskeletal inability to perform the exercises, or those already practicing relaxation/yoga/meditation regularly are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial delivers individualized progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) as a non‑pharmacological intervention for patients on maintenance hemodialysis and compares outcomes to usual care. Participants who can follow instructions and score at least 4 on the Beck Depression Inventory are randomized to regular PMR sessions while receiving hemodialysis or to a control group. Primary outcomes include changes in depressive symptoms and fatigue measured by standard scales, with assessments at baseline and after the intervention period. The study excludes patients with major psychiatric diagnoses, significant sensory or cognitive impairments, major musculoskeletal limitations, or regular prior practice of relaxation therapies and is conducted at Istanbul Aydın University.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, regular progressive muscle relaxation could reduce depressive symptoms and fatigue and improve daily functioning for people on hemodialysis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of PMR and other relaxation techniques in dialysis and chronic disease populations have shown modest improvements in mood and fatigue, though results have been mixed across trials.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Scoring 4 or above on the First-Level Beck Depression Inventory

Patients who regularly receive hemodialysis treatment

Individuals who are cognitively capable of understanding the exercise instructions

Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.)

Individuals who are physically unable to perform relaxation exercises due to musculoskeletal disorders

Individuals who have previously participated regularly in relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, or similar practices

Individuals who cannot follow instructions due to hearing, visual, or cognitive impairments

Individuals who are simultaneously participating in another psychosocial or physical intervention program

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Where it's running

  • Istanbul Aydın Universty
    Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting
  • Arzu Kavala
    Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.