Simple massage and relaxation may soothe dialysis cramps
NCT ID NCT06866470
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether massage and progressive muscle relaxation exercises can reduce the frequency and severity of muscle cramps in people undergoing hemodialysis. 79 patients participated, and the goal was to see if these non-drug approaches offer relief. The findings could help improve quality of life for dialysis patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- massage and progressive muscle relaxation exercises
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these simple, drug-free techniques could offer a safe way to reduce painful muscle cramps for people on dialysis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 79 participants. The results may not apply to all dialysis patients, and the effect might be modest or no better than usual care.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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79 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: Patients who have been undergoing regular hemodialysis treatment for at least six months. History of Muscle Cramps: Patients who have experienced muscle cramps at least twice a week in the past month. Age Range: Between 18 and 75 years old. Must be able to swallow tablets Cognitive and Physical Suitability: Having the cognitive and physical capacity to understand and perform massage and progressive muscle relaxation exercises. Stable Cardiovascular Condition: No history of myocardial infarction or severe cardiovascular complications in the past three months. Stable Medical Condition: No acute or severe medical conditions other than dialysis treatment. Voluntary Participation: Signing the informed consent form after being fully informed about the study. Exclusion Criteria: Insulin dependent diabetes Thyroid disease Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease * Neuromuscular Disorders: Presence of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or peripheral neuropathy. Severe Cardiovascular Diseases: History of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure (NYHA class III-IV), or uncontrolled hypertension in the past three months. Severe Orthopedic or Rheumatic Conditions: Severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Acute Infections or Inflammatory Conditions: Diagnosis of an active infection or inflammatory disease during the study period. Mental or Psychiatric Disorders: Presence of severe cognitive impairment, dementia, or major depression/anxiety. End-Stage Cancer Diagnosis: Undergoing active cancer treatment or having metastatic cancer. Contraindications to Massage or Relaxation Exercises: Presence of skin infections, open wounds, or any medical condition preventing massage or exercise application. Regular Use of Alternative Therapies: Engaging in regular massage therapy, yoga, or similar relaxation techniques within the past three months. Pregnancy: Being pregnant or in the breastfeeding period. Inability to Comply with the Study: Difficulty in attending the study regularly or adhering to the assigned interventions.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, 34320 Avcılar-Istanbul
Istanbul, 34320, Turkey (Türkiye)
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