MO922: Intradialytic Plantar Electrical Nerve Stimulation During Routine Hemodialysis Process Facilitate Physical Activities of Daily Life in Adults with Diabetes and End-Stage Renal Disease––A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Reduced physical activity in daily life is a persistent problem in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Although exercise could be beneficial, factors such as post-dialysis fatigue, time limitation and severe frailty may result in poor compliance. We are exploring an alternative therapy using intradialytic plantar electrical nerve stimulation (IPENS) provided during the routine hemodialysis process to address this gap. METHOD A total of 20 participants undergoing hemodialysis (age = 55 ± 2.7 years, BMI = 30.6 ± 1.3 kg/m2 female = 31%) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG), and 18 participants (age = 56 ± 2.2 years, BMI = 32.2 ± 1.2 kg/m2 female = 41%) were assigned to the control group (CG). The IG received 1-h IPENS during the routine hemodialysis process (three sessions/week) for 12 weeks. The CG received an identical but non-functional device for the same period. Participants and therapy-providers were blinded to the group allocation. Daily life physical activity was assessed remotely at baseline and every 12 week using a pendant wearable. To determine the effect of intervention, we estimated Cohen's effect size d. In addition, time effects, group and time × group effects were estimated using a general linear model. RESULTS We observed a significant increase in (Cohen's d = 0.97, P < 0.01) number of postural transitions, (d = 0.71, P = 0.04) daily step counts and (d = 0.73, P = 0.03) episodes of walking due to IPENS. All participants in the IG tolerated the IPENS and completed all therapy sessions, indicating the feasibility. CONCLUSION These are early results related to IPENS therapy's feasibility and effectiveness to improve mobility among individuals undergoing routine hemodialysis. We can recommend routine IPENS therapy as a practical alternative for those who may not engage in routine exercise programs if the results will be held in the larger sample.