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Low-frequency Electrical Muscle Stimulation vs Cycle Training During Haemodialysis

Effects of Intra-dialytic Low-frequency Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Cycle Training on Cardiorespiratory Function and Muscular Strength: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02874521
Enrollment
63
Registered
2016-08-22
Start date
2014-03-31
Completion date
2015-09-30
Last updated
2016-08-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Kidney Failure, Chronic

Brief summary

The purpose of the trial is to compare the effects of intra-dialytic low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation and intra-dialytic cycling, with usual care haemodialysis without exercise training.

Detailed description

End stage renal disease is associated with reduced functional capacity. Dynamic exercise training i.e. cycling, performed between dialysis sessions or during dialysis (intra-dialytic) can be effective in improving functional capacity and quality of life. However, many patients are unable to engage in intra-dialytic cycling due to limiting comorbidities. Other exercise modalities should be considered. Low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation of the quadriceps is well tolerated and may improve functional capacity in clinical populations. The trial is a longitudinal, randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated to 10 weeks of 1) intra-dialytic low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation, 2) intra-dialytic cycling, or 3) usual care haemodialysis without exercise training. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 10 weeks by assessors blinded to group allocation.

Interventions

OTHERIntra-dialytic LF-EMS

Electrical muscle stimulation during haemodialysis

OTHERIntra-dialytic cycle training

Cycle training during haemodialysis

Sponsors

Warwick Medical School
CollaboratorOTHER
Cardiff Metropolitan University
CollaboratorOTHER
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. On haemodialysis for at least 3months 2. On 3 times 4 hours of dialysis per week 3. Urea reduction rate of at least 65% during the three months before enrolment 4. Age 18 years or older 5. Able to complete the exercise test and exercise training 6. Able to provide informed consent 7. Life expectancy of more than 6 months according to clinical assessment

Exclusion criteria

1. Clinically significant valvular insufficiency 2. Clinically significant dysrythmia 3. Uncontrolled blood pressure: systolic \> 160, diastolic \>95 during the months before enrolment 4. Excessive fluid accumulation between dialysis sessions (\>3 liters), more than twice pulmonary edema over 3 months before enrolment deemed to be due to excess fluid intake 5. Haemoglobin unstable and below 9.0 6. Ischemic cardiac event or intervention in the last 3 months 7. Clinically significant, still active inflammatory or malignant process 8. Pacemaker or cardiac device (contraindicated for bioelectrical impedance) 9. Planned kidney transplant during study period.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)Baseline, 10 weeksCardiopulmonary exercise test

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscular strengthBaseline, 10 weeksHand held dynamometer - quadriceps strength
Arterial remodellingBaseline, 10 weeksTonometry - pulse wave velocity
Cardiac remodellingBaseline, 10 weeksEchocardiography - left ventricular volumes
Health related quality of lifeBaseline, 10 weeksQuestionnaire - KDQOL-36

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026