The Effect of Intradialytic Eye Exercise in Hemodialysis Patients

Sponsor
Pardis Specialized Wellness Institute
Study ID
NCT07591714
Status
Recruiting
Apply to this trial

Conditions

  • End Stage Renal Disease
  • Hemodialysis Complication

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 80 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Intradialytic Eye Exercise — BEHAVIORAL
    The participants in the study group will perform the eye exercise program while seated during hemodialysis treatment. The exercises will be administered face-to-face in the dialysis unit (not via teleconference). Each session will last 15 to 20 minutes and will be performed during clinically stable periods of dialysis. The program includes vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR x1 and adaptation), saccadic eye movements (rapid shifts between targets), smooth pursuit (tracking moving targets), vergence (near-far focus), and integrated head-eye coordination exercises, performed in a seated position with progressive speed and complexity to enhance gaze stability and balance.

Study Details

This pilot randomized trial will evaluate whether a structured intradialytic eye-exercise program can be delivered safely and consistently during maintenance hemodialysis and whether it shows preliminary promise for improving physical function, balance, and fall-related concern. The study is needed because hemodialysis patients commonly experience impaired physical performance, reduced balance, and fear of falling, and these problems are associated with higher fall risk; at the same time, supervised exercise during dialysis is increasingly viewed as a practical way to reach this medically complex and often sedentary population. Eye-movement and gaze-stability training has also shown benefit for balance- and fall-related outcomes in older adults and stroke survivors, but its feasibility and potential value during dialysis sessions remain uncertain.

Key Dates

First listed
May 18, 2026
Start date
Jun 1, 2026
Status verified
Jul 2026
Primary completion
Sep 30, 2026
Completion
Sep 30, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Arms

  • Experimental: Eye exercise group
    Participants will receive a structured eye exercise program designed to train oculomotor control, gaze stability, and eye-head coordination. The program will be delivered during in-center hemodialysis sessions (intradialytic), under supervision of trained staff or study personnel. Each session is planned for approximately 15 to 20 minutes during dialysis, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks (36 sessions total).
  • No Intervention: Control group
    Participants allocated to the control arm will receive standard nephrology care during dialysis and routine advice to maintain their usual daily activities. They will not receive the structured eye-exercise program during the intervention period.

Primary Outcome Measure

Recruitment rate [ Time Frame: Baseline to 12 weeks ]

Central Contacts

Related Studies