Acute STIM-HD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The acute effects of NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation in people on haemodialysis
IRAS ID
371105
Contact name
Louise Beresford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bournemouth University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 15 days
Research summary
This research investigates how the body responds to neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in people receiving haemodialysis. NMES uses small electrical impulses delivered through pads on the skin to cause muscles to contract. People on haemodialysis often experience reduced muscle strength and mass, affecting mobility, independence and quality of life. Although exercise can help, many patients find it difficult due to fatigue, comorbidities and treatment burden. NMES may provide an alternative way to stimulate muscles during dialysis.
The main STIM-HD trial is examining whether regular NMES sessions delivered during haemodialysis over 12 weeks can improve muscle health, including strength and physical function.
This linked sub-study, Acute STIM-HD, focuses on the immediate responses to NMES during a single dialysis session. While the main trial evaluates longer-term outcomes, this sub-study aims to understand short-term biological and physiological changes occurring during and after NMES.
Participants in Acute STIM-HD will be adults already enroled in the main STIM-HD trial. Blood samples will be collected before NMES, immediately after, and at several time points during dialysis. Samples will be taken via the dialysis line, so no additional needle insertions are required. These will be analysed for biological markers related to inflammation, muscle activity and muscle damage.
In participants receiving NMES, the force generated by electrically stimulated muscle contractions will also be measured during dialysis. This will help assess the strength of contractions and how these relate to changes seen in the blood.
The study will take place in haemodialysis units participating in STIM-HD. Findings will improve understanding of how NMES affects the body during dialysis and may help guide its use to support muscle health in this population.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0150
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion