MSU, UK St. Claire Launch Study on Diabetes-Linked Neuropathy
Morehead State University’s Department of Health, Kinesiology, Imaging & Psychological Sciences has partnered with UK St. Claire HealthCare on a new study exploring non-medicinal treatments for diabetes-related nerve pain.
The research, which focuses on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is led by Assistant Professor Dr. Jarrod Plank (MSU Class of 2019) and University of Pikeville Assistant Professor Dr. Michaela Wilson and will run through July 21, 2026.
Peripheral neuropathy affects as many as half of people with diabetes. It can cause constant pain, numbness, trouble with balance, and problems moving around. For many, medicine does not help enough. This study will test whether tDCS, a safe, low-risk therapy that uses gentle electrical signals on the brain, can reduce these symptoms when combined with balance training exercises.
“When I was doing a literature review regarding how tDCS can be incorporated into therapeutic rehabilitation, I noticed there to be a significant gap in literature regarding its effect on diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy, which is a common issue among those with diabetes,” said Plank.
The study will randomly assign participants to receive either tDCS paired with balance training or a placebo (SHAM) tDCS during training. Each subject will attend two 60-minute weekly sessions at MSU’s Human Performance Lab in Ginger Hall for five weeks.
Diabetes-related neuropathy is a significant health concern in eastern Kentucky and the surrounding region, where rates of metabolic disorders remain high.
“Oftentimes, those with diabetes exhaust their options of pain relief and functional mobility deficits due to neuropathy,” Plank explained. “Investigating the effects of a non-medicinal intervention may yield substantial benefits.”
Plank also emphasized the potential for ongoing research in this area.
“Due to the variability of which transcranial direct current stimulation may be administered, there are a plethora of future investigations which may be conducted.”
Patients will be recruited through Family Medicine and Endocrinology at UK St. Claire. While there is no financial compensation, participants will contribute to research that could expand treatment options for one of the region’s most pressing health challenges.
For more information about the study or volunteering, contact Plank at jtplank@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-356-5042.
To learn more about the Department of Health, Kinesiology, Imaging & Psychological Sciences, email kh@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2180.
