Study design
HD, deaths
DER
In this randomized controlled pilot trial, we tested the effects of NMES combined with VR distraction in HD patients in the German dialysis care setting in a 12-week long intervention. In addition to muscle strength and structure indicators, we analysed body composition, functional capacity, and serum biochemistry (albumin level) as well as changes in NMES intensity due to VR distraction.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Klinikum rechts der Isar (MRI), Munich and was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. It was also registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00029276 | 30/06/2022). Due to low study participation rates and high dropout rates caused by uncertainties and patient deaths during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic 2021, the study was recruited in two phases to increase the number of participants. The first 12-week study period was conducted from January 2021 at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich. The second phase from April 2022 at the Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation (KfH) in Munich-Giesing.