Using electrical stimulation to improve muscle function in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Efficacy of Combined Low- and High- Frequency Stimulation in Peripheral Muscle Function During Hemodialysis

NA · Hospital Sirio-Libanes · NCT03779126

This study is testing if using electrical stimulation can help improve muscle strength and overall well-being in people with chronic kidney disease who are on hemodialysis.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Sirio-Libanes (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT03779126 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of combined low- and high-frequency electrical stimulation on peripheral muscle function in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: low frequency, high frequency, combined low and high frequency, or sham stimulation. Each group will receive bilateral quadriceps stimulation for sixty minutes, three times a week, over a two-month period. The study aims to assess various health metrics, including muscle function, quality of life, and biochemical markers, before and after the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with chronic kidney disease who are currently on hemodialysis and have not engaged in regular physical activity for the past six months.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive or motor deficits, those with pacemakers, or those who have abstained from hemodialysis sessions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance muscle function and overall quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with electrical stimulation in similar patient populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic kidney disease
* Classical hemodialysis
* Over 18 years old
* No pace maker
* Without cognitive or motor deficit
* No regular physical activity in the last six months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Abstention for more than two consecutive sessions or four in total
* Inability to perform the tests

Where this trial is running

São Paulo

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: Chronic Kidney Diseases, Chronic Kidney Disease, Electrical stimulation

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.