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Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD)Laser_CKDNCT06855992

Transcutaneous Laser Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease

A study testing Laser and Red Light in people with Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD), run by National Cheng-Kung University Hospital.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the global population, totaling over 800 million people. In Taiwan, one in eight individuals is diagnosed with CKD. According to National Health Insurance data, acute kidney injury and CKD rank first in medical expenditures, imposing a significant burden on… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD)
What is being tested?
Laser and Red Light
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
120 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
17 Mar 2025to 31 Jan 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals aged >20 years diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-5.
  • Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73m² (lasting for more than three months).
  • Willing to provide routine blood test results before, during, and after each phase of the study.

Who cannot join

  • Acute kidney changes within the past three months (e.g., >30% decline in eGFR), or individuals with impaired consciousness, shortness of breath, or inability to follow instructions.
  • Blood pressure exceeding 160 mmHg at the time of participation.
  • Severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g., pacemaker implantation), upper limb trauma or infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, or skin cancer.
  • Use of photosensitizing medications, pregnancy, or malignant tumors.
  • Sensory nerve abnormalities, coagulation disorders, or the presence of kidney stones.
  • Individuals with a hierarchical relationship to the study's principal investigator or team members (e.g., those from the same laboratory or having a student-mentor relationship).

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

About this study

Official title: The Effects of Transcutaneous Laser Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the global population, totaling over 800 million people. In Taiwan, one in eight individuals is diagnosed with CKD. According to National Health Insurance data, acute kidney injury and CKD rank first in medical expenditures, imposing a significant burden on patients' quality of life and the national healthcare system. Early intervention in CKD, especially for high-risk populations (e.g., individuals with diabetes or early-stage kidney dysfunction), can slow disease progression, delay the onset of kidney failure, and postpone the need for dialysis.

Transcutaneous venous laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment. Current literature has demonstrated that it enhances blood circulation, alters blood and erythrocyte activity, and exhibits immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects on the blood. Additionally, it boosts mitochondrial activity, which is crucial as mitochondria act as the energy powerhouses of cells, providing the necessary energy for kidneys to maintain normal function.

This project aims to investigate whether this non-invasive transcutaneous venous laser therapy can reduce inflammation, improve physical activity, and further enhance patients' quality of life. It also seeks to reduce patients' medical expenses and National Health Insurance costs.

Being tested
Laser, Red Light
Keywords
chronic kidney disease
Medical subject headings
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • LaserDevice

    60-minute 635 nm red laser intervention 3 times per week for 8 weeks

  • Red LightDevice

    60-minute red light sham intervention three times per week for 8 weeks

Study groups in NCT06855992
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Laser first then shamOtherAdminister a 60-minute, 635 nm laser intervention three times per week for 8 weeks, followed by a 6-week washout period. Subsequently, provide a 60-minute red light sham intervention three times per week for another 8 weeks.
Receives: Device: Laser; Device: Red Light
Sham first then laserOtherAdminister a 60-minute red light sham intervention three times per week for 8 weeks, followed by a 6-week washout period. Subsequently, provide a 60-minute, 635 nm laser intervention three times per week for another 8 weeks.
Receives: Device: Laser; Device: Red Light

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Basic data

    Participant demographic data and relevant medical histories will be collected, including gender, age, medication usage, chronic diseases, major illnesses, and surgical history.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  2. Weight

    The participant's body weight is measured in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated digital. The measurement is taken with the participant standing upright, wearing light clothing and no shoes to ensure accuracy.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  3. Height

    The participant's height is measured in centimeters (cm) using a stadiometer or a height-measuring rod. The measurement is taken with the participant standing upright, feet together, heels against the wall or stadiometer, and head in the Frankfort horizontal plane. The participant should be barefoot and maintain a natural posture.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  4. Body Mass Index

    Body Mass Index (BMI) is measured by first recording the participant's weight in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated scale while they are barefoot and wearing light clothing. Height is then measured in meters (m) using a stadiometer, with the participant standing upright, feet together. BMI is calculated using the formula BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)².

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  5. Blood pressure and heart rate

    Blood pressure and heart rate are measured with the participant seated comfortably in a quiet environment for at least 5 minutes. A calibrated automatic sphygmomanometer is used to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) on the upper arm, with the cuff positioned at heart level. Heart rate (beats per minute) is recorded using the same device.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  6. Blood parameters

    Blood parameters, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), nitrogen, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, hemoglobin, and pH levels, will be measured through venous blood samples collected under standardized conditions.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  7. Handgrip strength

    Maximal grip strength was assessed using a calibrated dynamometer while the participant stood with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed at their sides. The test was conducted three times using the dominant hand, and the highest value from the three trials was recorded for analysis.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  8. Knee extensor strength

    The knee extensor strength will be assessed using a hand-held dynamometer to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Participants will be positioned in a standardized manner, typically seated with their knees at a 90-degree flexion to maintain consistency across trials. The dynamometer will be placed just above the ankle, and participants will be instructed to exert maximal isometric contraction against the device. Each measurement will be performed three times, with brief rest periods between trials to minimize fatigue.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  9. Sit-to-stand test

    The Sit-to-Stand Test is a functional assessment used to evaluate lower limb strength, endurance, and balance. During the test, the participant sits in a standardized chair with feet flat on the floor and arms crossed over the chest, then repeatedly stands up and sits down as many times as possible within 30 seconds. The total number of completed repetitions is recorded, with a higher count indicating better functional endurance.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  10. 2-minute step test

    For the 2-Minute Step Test, participants were instructed to step in place at a comfortable pace for two minutes, ensuring that the knee was raised to a height midway between the iliac crest and the patella with each step. The total number of times the right knee reached the specified height during the test period was recorded for analysis.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  11. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP)

    MIP assesses inspiratory muscle strength. The participant sits upright with a nose clip and exhales fully to residual volume (RV) before performing a maximal inspiratory effort against a closed valve. The highest pressure (cmH₂O) from 3 trials is recorded.

    MEP evaluates expiratory muscle strength. The participant sits upright with a nose clip, inhales fully to total lung capacity (TLC), and performs a forceful maximal expiration against a closed valve. The highest pressure (cmH₂O) from 3 trials is recorded.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  12. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36)

    The Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) scale is a measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with kidney disease, with scores ranging from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better HRQoL. The KDQOL-36 consists of five subscales: the SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS), where higher scores reflect better physical and mental health, respectively; the Effects of Kidney Disease on Daily Life subscale, where higher scores signify less impact on daily activities; the Burden of Kidney Disease subscale, where higher scores represent a lower perceived burden of the disease; and the Symptoms and Problems of Kidney Disease subscale, where higher scores indicate fewer symptoms and problems.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

  13. Time up and go test

    The participant sits on a standard-height chair, stands up without using their hands (unless necessary), walks 3 meters (10 feet) to a designated marker, turns around, walks back to the chair, and sits down, with timing starting upon standing and stopping once seated.

    Measured: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Mar 2025
  2. Study start17 Mar 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Jan 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
120 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06855992
Sponsor's protocol ID
B-BR-113-066-T
Acronym
Laser_CKD
Status last verified
Jan 2025
First submitted
21 Feb 2025
Last updated
18 Mar 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Laser and Red Light in people with Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD), run by National Cheng-Kung University Hospital.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Cheng Feng Lin, PhD (+886-6-2353535 ext. 5721, connie@mail.ncku.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Basic data (time frame: laser intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks; red light intervention: baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks). The study lists 13 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Mar 2025.

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