Low Magnitude Mechanical Stimuli Effects on Bone Structure in ESRD

The proposed 6 month pilot and feasibility randomized trial will evaluate LMMS as an anabolic stimulus to bone in 30 adults on maintenance hemodialysis. The intervention will consist of 20 minute daily sessions in the home standing on an active LMMS platform or a placebo device that emits an audible hum suggestive of an active device. Each device contains an electronic monitor that documents adherence. The study will examine trabecular bone volume fraction (bone volume/total volume, BV/TV %) and architecture using microMRI, and cortical volumetric BMD and dimensions using QCT at baseline and 6 months. The hypothesis is that active LMMS will results in greater mean changes in trabecular and cortical parameters in hemodialysis patients. The proposed study will test the feasibility of conducting the intervention in dialysis patients and will generate preliminary data on rates of change in trabecular and cortical parameters in the active and placebo groups.