Using electrical stimulation to improve balance and mobility in hemodialysis patients with diabetes

Therapeutic Plantar Electrical Stimulation Intervention During Hemodialysis to Improve Balance and Mobility

Not applicable Interventional Hamad Medical Corporation · NCT05407207

This study is testing whether a wearable electrical device can help improve balance and mobility for people with diabetes who are on hemodialysis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHamad Medical Corporation Industry-sponsored
Locations2 sites (Houston, Texas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05407207 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a wearable electrical stimulator in enhancing balance, mobility, and quality of life for patients with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis. The intervention addresses the challenges of low physical activity and poor balance control, which are common among this population. By providing a convenient and innovative solution, the study seeks to improve peripheral blood flow and reduce the risk of foot complications. Participants will be monitored for their ability to engage in daily activities and overall health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females over 40 years old with diabetes who are receiving dialysis and can walk independently.

Not a fit: Patients with active foot ulcers, major foot amputations, or significant psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life and mobility for patients with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis.

How similar studies have performed: While exercise interventions have shown success in improving mobility in similar populations, the specific use of wearable electrical stimulation in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients with diabetes receiving dialysis who are \>40 years old.
* Ambulatory (able to independently walk 20m with or without walking assistance).
* Willing and able to provide informed consent.
* Diabetes will be defined based on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria (83).
* Evidence of peripheral neuropathy and its severity will be determined based on a neurologic examination using criteria explained in the ADA statement.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have an active foot ulcer, an active infection, Charcot neuroarthropathy, or major foot amputation.
* Patients with any clinically significant medical or psychiatric condition, or laboratory abnormality that would, in the judgment of the investigators, interfere with the ability to participate in the study.
* Patients concurrently participating in exercise training; major hearing/visual impairment; any patient with changes in psychotropic or sleep medications in the last 6 weeks.
* If they were unlikely to fully comply with the follow-up protocol (e.g., travel plans).

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Diabetes MellitusHemodialysis ComplicationCardiovascular ComplicationQuality of LifePreventive supplementsTreatment of diabetes related complicationsHealth interventionLifestyle intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.