Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyPBMT-DPNNCT07613489
Photobiomodulation for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
A study testing Photobiomodulation Therapy in people with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of long-term diabetes, affecting approximately 50 percent of patients. It causes tingling, numbness, and burning pain primarily in the feet, which reduces quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- What is being tested?
- Photobiomodulation Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2026to 24 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Age 18 years or older
- Male and female participants
- Pain duration of 6 months or more
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of 3 or greater out of 10 at baseline
- No acute infections at the time of enrollment
Who cannot join
- Skin lesions, infections, or ulcers in the treatment area
- Severe heart disease or kidney dysfunction
- Mental illness or malignant tumors
- Presence of pacemaker or implanted electrical device
- Chronic alcohol or drug abuse
- Patients unwilling to provide informed consent
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- Pregnancy
- Post-surgical cases (heart or brain surgery) within 30 days
- History of stroke
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 3800
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Enhancing Nerve Function and Quality of Life Among Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of long-term diabetes, affecting approximately 50 percent of patients. It causes tingling, numbness, and burning pain primarily in the feet, which reduces quality of life. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that may improve nerve function by reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT in improving nerve function and quality of life in patients with DPN. A total of 36 participants with type 2 diabetes and DPN will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving PBMT (900 nm wavelength, 25W, 1000 Hz frequency) or a control group receiving sham laser therapy. The intervention will be applied to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot every other day for 6 weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Neuropathic pain measured by Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic symptoms and signs scale, Nerve function measured by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and quality of life measured by the NORFOLK QOL DN questionnaire, assessed at baseline and after the intervention period.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. Participants will be enrolled from Move Better Clinic and Madinah Teaching Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Randomization and allocation concealment: Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the photobiomodulation therapy group or the sham laser group. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random number table. Allocation will be concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes that will be opened only after baseline assessment.
Blinding: Participants will be blinded to their group assignment because both groups will undergo the same procedure with the same device; only the experimental group will receive active laser. Outcome assessments will be performed by a physiotherapist who remains blinded to group assignment. The therapist delivering the intervention cannot be blinded, but all data entry and statistical analysis will be performed using coded group identifiers.
Sample size calculation: Sample size of 36 participants (18 per group) was calculated using Rao Software based on a previous study by Suganthirababu et al. (2018), assuming a power of 80% and alpha of 0.05.
Statistical analysis: Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Normality of data distribution will be tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. For normally distributed data, within-group differences will be analyzed using paired t-tests, and between-group differences will be analyzed using independent t-tests. For non-normally distributed data, appropriate non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U) will be used. A p-value less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
- Being tested
- Photobiomodulation Therapy, Sham Laser Therapy
- Keywords
- Photobiomodulation
- Medical subject headings
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Photobiomodulation TherapyDevice
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was delivered using an infrared light therapy device with 3 x 808 nm and 12 x 650 nm multi-speed modes with pulse function. The device parameters were: wavelength of 900 nm, power of 25W, and frequency of 1000 Hz in pulse mode. The therapy was applied to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session. Treatment was administered every other day for 2 weeks, resulting in a total of 7 sessions per participant. The intervention was delivered by a trained physiotherapist in a clinical setting at MoveBetter Clinic, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants remained in a comfortable seated position with the foot exposed during treatment. Safety goggles were provided to both the participant and the therapist.
Sham Laser TherapyDevice
Sham laser therapy was delivered using the same infrared light therapy device as the active treatment, with the laser deactivated. The device was positioned and handled identically to the active treatment, and the same auditory signals were produced to maintain blinding of participants. The same procedure was followed: application to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session, every other day for 2 weeks (total of 7 sessions). Participants were unaware of their group assignment throughout the study period. The sham intervention was delivered by the same trained physiotherapist in the same clinical setting at MoveBetter Clinic, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Photobiomodulation Therapy Group | Experimental | Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was delivered using a device with wavelength of 900 nm, power of 25W, and frequency of 1000 Hz in pulse mode. The therapy was applied to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session. Treatment was administered every other day for 2 weeks, resulting in a total of 7 sessions per participant. The intervention was delivered by a trained physiotherapist in a clinical setting at Aziz Fatima Hospital and Madinah Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants remained in a comfortable seated position with the foot exposed during treatment. Safety goggles were provided to both the participant and the therapist. Receives: Device: Photobiomodulation Therapy; Device: Sham Laser Therapy |
| Sham Laser Therapy Group | Sham comparator | Sham laser therapy was delivered using the same device as the experimental group, with the laser deactivated. The same procedure was followed: application to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session, every other day for 2 weeks (total of 7 sessions). The device was positioned and handled identically to the active treatment, and the same auditory signals were produced to maintain blinding of participants. Participants were unaware of their group assignment throughout the study period. Receives: Device: Sham Laser Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain Intensity
Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Participants were asked to rate their current level of foot pain at each assessment point. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. The change from baseline to post-intervention was calculated for each participant.
Measured: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Quality of Life
Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire, a 36-item validated instrument assessing physical and mental health across eight domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, and general health. Domain scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Measured: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)
Change in Neuropathic Pain Characteristics
Neuropathic pain characteristics were assessed using the LANSS (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) scale. The LANSS scale includes sensory descriptions and bedside sensory testing (allodynia and altered pin-prick threshold). Total scores range from 0 to 24. Scores of 12 or greater indicate that neuropathic mechanisms are likely contributing to the patient's pain.
Measured: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 May 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2026
- Primary completion24 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion24 Jun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Diabetic Peripheral NeuropathyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Anbreena Rasool, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07613489
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUF/EIRB/ 201 /26
- Acronym
- PBMT-DPN
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 21 May 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Enhancing Nerve Function and Quality of Life Among Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07613489
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PBMT-DPN / TUF/EIRB/ 201 /26
- Keywords
- Photobiomodulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 24 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 24 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of long-term diabetes, affecting approximately 50 percent of patients. It causes tingling, numbness, and burning pain primarily in the feet, which reduces quality of life. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that may improve nerve function by reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT in improving nerve function and quality of life in patients with DPN. A total of 36 participants with type 2 diabetes and DPN will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving PBMT (900 nm wavelength, 25W, 1000 Hz frequency) or a control group receiving sham laser therapy. The intervention will be applied to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot every other day for 6 weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Neuropathic pain measured by Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic symptoms and signs scale, Nerve function measured by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and quality of life measured by the NORFOLK QOL DN questionnaire, assessed at baseline and after the intervention period.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. Participants will be enrolled from Move Better Clinic and Madinah Teaching Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Randomization and allocation concealment: Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the photobiomodulation therapy group or the sham laser group. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random number table. Allocation will be concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes that will be opened only after baseline assessment.
Blinding: Participants will be blinded to their group assignment because both groups will undergo the same procedure with the same device; only the experimental group will receive active laser. Outcome assessments will be performed by a physiotherapist who remains blinded to group assignment. The therapist delivering the intervention cannot be blinded, but all data entry and statistical analysis will be performed using coded group identifiers.
Sample size calculation: Sample size of 36 participants (18 per group) was calculated using Rao Software based on a previous study by Suganthirababu et al. (2018), assuming a power of 80% and alpha of 0.05.
Statistical analysis: Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Normality of data distribution will be tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. For normally distributed data, within-group differences will be analyzed using paired t-tests, and between-group differences will be analyzed using independent t-tests. For non-normally distributed data, appropriate non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U) will be used. A p-value less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Photobiomodulation Therapy Group | Experimental | Device: Photobiomodulation Therapy, Device: Sham Laser TherapyPhotobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was delivered using a device with wavelength of 900 nm, power of 25W, and frequency of 1000 Hz in pulse mode. The therapy was applied to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session. Treatment was administered every other day for 2 weeks, resulting in a total of 7 sessions per participant. The intervention was delivered by a trained physiotherapist in a clinical setting at Aziz Fatima Hospital and Madinah Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants remained in a comfortable seated position with the foot exposed during treatment. Safety goggles were provided to both the participant and the therapist. |
| Sham Laser Therapy Group | Sham comparator | Device: Sham Laser TherapySham laser therapy was delivered using the same device as the experimental group, with the laser deactivated. The same procedure was followed: application to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session, every other day for 2 weeks (total of 7 sessions). The device was positioned and handled identically to the active treatment, and the same auditory signals were produced to maintain blinding of participants. Participants were unaware of their group assignment throughout the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Age 18 years or older
- Male and female participants
- Pain duration of 6 months or more
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Skin lesions, infections, or ulcers in the treatment area
- Severe heart disease or kidney dysfunction
- Mental illness or malignant tumors
- Presence of pacemaker or implanted electrical device
- Chronic alcohol or drug abuse
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Photobiomodulation TherapyPhotobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was delivered using an infrared light therapy device with 3 x 808 nm and 12 x 650 nm multi-speed modes with pulse function. The device parameters were: wavelength of 900 nm, power of 25W, and frequency of 1000 Hz in pulse mode. The therapy was applied to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session. Treatment was administered every other day for 2 weeks, resulting in a total of 7 sessions per participant. The intervention was delivered by a trained physiotherapist in a clinical setting at MoveBetter Clinic, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participants remained in a comfortable seated position with the foot exposed during treatment. Safety goggles were provided to both the participant and the therapist. | Device | Photobiomodulation Therapy Group |
| Sham Laser TherapySham laser therapy was delivered using the same infrared light therapy device as the active treatment, with the laser deactivated. The device was positioned and handled identically to the active treatment, and the same auditory signals were produced to maintain blinding of participants. The same procedure was followed: application to the dorsum and plantar surface of the foot for 9 minutes per session, every other day for 2 weeks (total of 7 sessions). Participants were unaware of their group assignment throughout the study period. The sham intervention was delivered by the same trained physiotherapist in the same clinical setting at MoveBetter Clinic, Faisalabad, Pakistan. | Device | Photobiomodulation Therapy Group, Sham Laser Therapy Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)
Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Participants were asked to rate their current level of foot pain at each assessment point. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. The change from baseline to post-intervention was calculated for each participant.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Quality of Life
Time frame: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)
Change in Neuropathic Pain Characteristics
Time frame: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Photobiomodulation Therapy in people with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline and Week 2 (post-intervention)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jun 2026.