Laser Acupuncture Study for Fatigue in People on Dialysis
Tests laser acupuncture against a sham treatment for fatigue in adults on hemodialysis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Laser Acupuncture for Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients
Key facts
- Where
- Taipei, TaiwanSee the site
Where in Taiwan
- Taipei City Hospital, RENAI BranchTaipei, TaiwanTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Taipei City Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07538310
- Record updated
- 26 October 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if laser acupuncture (low-level laser therapy) works to treat fatigue and improve quality of life in adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. It will also learn about how laser acupuncture affects blood circulation and autonomic nervous system balance.Read full original descriptionShow less
Laser Acupuncture Improves Fatigue and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial Pilot Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if laser acupuncture (low-level laser therapy) works to treat fatigue and improve quality of life in adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. It will also learn about how laser acupuncture affects blood circulation and autonomic nervous system balance.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does laser acupuncture reduce the severity of fatigue and its interference with daily life? 2. Can laser acupuncture improve related symptoms such as insomnia, poor appetite, and skin itching? 3. How does laser acupuncture affect objective markers like microcirculation and heart rate variability? Researchers will compare laser acupuncture to a sham treatment (a look-alike procedure using a device that does not emit a laser) to see if laser acupuncture works to treat fatigue.
Participants will:
1. Receive laser acupuncture or a sham treatment during their regular hemodialysis sessions 3 times a week for 4 weeks. 2. Have their fatigue and life quality assessed through questionnaires on the first day, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. 3. Undergo non-invasive tests to measure microcirculation, heart rate variability, and pulse waves, and have photos of their tongue taken for Chinese medicine assessment.
Inclusion: Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who require regular maintenance hemodialysis; Must undergo hemodialysis treatment at least 3 times per week; Aged 18 years or older; Willing and able to provide informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion: Diagnosis of malignant tumors; Patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers or other cardiac devices; Presence of acute infectious symptoms; Unstable vital signs; Pregnancy; Presence of open wounds at the sites designated for laser intervention.