Actively Recruiting
Far Red Light to Improve Functioning in PAD
Led by Northwestern University · Updated on 2025-08-26
32
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
171 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The LIGHT PAD Trial is a Phase II multi-centered randomized clinical trial to collect preliminary data to test whether daily far red light treatment of the lower extremities in people with PAD improves six-minute walk distance, lower extremity perfusion, and ischemia-related damage in gastrocnemius muscle at four-month follow-up, compared to a sham control. Participants will complete 10 minutes of twice daily home treatment with either far red light or a sham light for four months.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Far Red Light to Improve Functioning in PAD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 50 years or older
- Diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- ABI (Ankle Brachial Index) less than or equal to 0.90 at baseline, or
- Vascular lab evidence of PAD such as toe brachial pressure less than or equal to 0.70 or angiographic evidence of at least 70% artery narrowing in the lower legs, or
- ABI greater than 0.90 and less than or equal to 1.00 with a 20% or greater drop in ABI after a heel-rise test
You will not qualify if you...
- Above- or below-knee amputation
- Critical limb ischemia with ABI less than 0.40 and rest pain symptoms
- Wheelchair confinement or requiring a walker to walk
- Walking limited by causes other than PAD
- Current foot ulcer on the bottom of the foot
- Failure to complete the study run-in phase
- Planned major surgery or leg/coronary revascularization in the next four months
- Major surgery, revascularization, or major cardiovascular event in the past three months
- Major illnesses such as lung disease requiring oxygen, Parkinson's disease, life-threatening illness with less than six months life expectancy, or cancer requiring treatment in past two years (except early stage cancer with excellent prognosis not in legs)
- MMSE score less than 23
- Non-English speaking
- Participation in a clinical trial within the past three months with specific timing rules
- Visual impairment limiting walking ability
- Six-minute walk distance less than 400 feet or greater than 1700 feet
- Participation in supervised treadmill exercise or cardiac rehabilitation in the past three months or plans to start in next five months
- Unwillingness to avoid red light therapy outside the study
- Baseline blood pressure less than 100/45
- Investigator discretion for safety or suitability concerns
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35294
Actively Recruiting
2
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mary McDermott, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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