Intradialytic Exercise Protocol in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single Center Experience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71749/pkj.122Keywords:
Exercise, Quality of Life, Renal Dialysis, Renal Insufficiency, ChronicAbstract
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires life-sustaining therapies such as hemodialysis (HD), which negatively affects patients' quality of life. Physical exercise has emerged as a promising, non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate these adverse effects.
Methods: This clinical study, conducted in Guarapuava, Brazil, included 41 HD patients who were divided into an intervention group (IG, n=28n=28 ) and a control group (CG, n=13n=13 ). Assessments were performed at baseline and after an eight- week intrarenalytic physical exercise program. The intervention consisted of stretching, resistance training (quadriceps, hip abductors/adductors, and ankle musculature), and aerobic activity (using a cycle ergometer). Exercises were individualized and monitored by measuring vital signs and applying the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale.
Results: Forty- one participants (28 IG, 13 CG) completed the protocol. The mean age was 56.5±10.2256.5±10.22 years, with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) as the most prevalent comorbidities. Participants with DM had higher body mass index (BMI) and significantly lower dialysis adequacy (Kt/V). After intervention, the IG showed significant improvements in dialysis adequacy (from 1.27 to 1.42; p=0.004p=0.004 ), handgrip strength ( p=0.001p=0.001 ), and Barthel Index scores ( p=0.0021p=0.0021 ), reflecting greater independence in activities of daily living. Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) and Hedges' gg indicated moderate to large effect sizes, supporting the clinical relevance of these gains.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that intrarenalytic physical exercise yields clinically meaningful functional and physiological improvements, reinforcing its relevance as an effective adjunct to routine care for CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.
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