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NCT Number: NCT06855992

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) Chronic Disease Disease Attributes Female Urogenital Diseases Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Kidney Diseases Male Urogenital Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Renal Insufficiency Renal Insufficiency, Chronic Urogenital Diseases Urologic Diseases

Age range

20 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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.

Exclusion criteria

  • 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).

Treatment and study plan

laser

Device

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

red light

Device

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Basic data

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

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

  2. Weight

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

    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.

  3. Height

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

    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.

  4. Body Mass Index

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

    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.

  5. Blood pressure and heart rate

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

    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.

  6. Blood parameters

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

    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.

  7. Handgrip strength

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

    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.

  8. Knee extensor strength

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

    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.

  9. Sit-to-stand test

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

    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.

  10. 2-minute step test

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

    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.

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

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

    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.

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

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

    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.

  13. Time up and go test

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

    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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Cheng Feng Lin, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+886-6-2353535 ext. 5721

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Cheng-Kung University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Transcutaneous Laser Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease

Acronym: Laser_CKD

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 4, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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