The effect of intradialytic exercise twice a week on the physical capacity, inflammation, and nutritional status of dialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

Comparison of the efficacy of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises for hemodialysis patients: randomized controlled single-blind study

PURPOSE

This study was performed to investigate and compare the effects of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises on physical performance, fatigue, quality of life and dialysis adequacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved 39 individuals on hemodialysis randomized into two groups: aerobic exercise (AE, n = 20) and core stabilization (CSE, n = 19). Over 8 weeks, the AE group performed pedal ergometer exercises, while the CSE group performed 4-phase core stabilization exercises. Physical performance (five times sit to stand test, 2-min step test), quality of life (Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36; KDQOL-36), fatigue levels (Piper Fatigue Scale), and dialysis adequacy (Kt/V and URR) were assessed.

RESULTS

After training, a significant improvement was observed in the physical performance, fatigue levels, and some parameters of KDQOL-36 of the patients (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in dialysis adequacy indicators (Kt/V and URR) (p > 0.05). When the amount of development obtained in both treatment groups is compared, kidney disease burden only in the subparameter of KDQOL-36 was statistically significantly improved in the CSE group compared to the AE group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the study, intradialytic core stabilization exercises appear to have similar effects to aerobic exercises and can be performed by HD patients.

Quality of life tools among patients on dialysis: A systematic review

Introduction

 The universal increase in obesity and diabetes has increased the chronic kidney disease (CKD) rate. In 2017, almost 800 million individuals suffered from CKD worldwide. Kidney dialysis becomes necessary as the disease progresses. Dialysis negatively impacts CKD patients' quality of life (QoL). It causes several complications that affect patients' physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of life. This systematic review aims to identify condition-specific tools used to assess CKD patients' quality of life on dialysis.

Material and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to investigate studies using QoL tools among patients on dialysis from February 2000 to June 2023. The search was conducted in several databases and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The focus was to identify tools that capture intrinsic factors, such as spiritual subdomains, rather than extrinsic factors, such as environmental subdomains.

Results

The review identified five studies and seven dialysis-specific tools for assessing the QoL of CKD patients on dialysis. The physical domain was the most assessed, followed by the psychological and social domains. Fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep disorders, and pain were identified as the most common concerns in the physical domain.

Conclusion

Dialysis negatively impacts all aspects of QoL in CKD patients. This review can guide clinicians in understanding the disease and treatment burden by identifying the most appropriate tools for assessing the QoL of adult CKD patients undergoing dialysis. There is a need for further studies to explore the detrimental effects of CKD treatment and better understand its impact on patients' QoL.

The Effect of Listening to the Holy Qur'an and a Back Massage on Fatigue and Quality of Life for Participants Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This study examined the effects of combining listening to the Holy Qur'an and back massage on fatigue and the quality of life in participants undergoing hemodialysis in Indonesia. This nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted in 40 patients (n = 20 intervention group, n = 20 control group). The FACIT-fatigue scale was used to measure fatigue, and the KDQOL scale was used to measure quality of life. After the intervention, the mean score on the FACIT-fatigue scale in the intervention group was 36.7 ± 2.1, whereas it was 23.4 ± 5.8 in the control group. Likewise, while the average KDQOL score was 61.2 ± 5.8 in the intervention group, it was 49.5 ± 8.6 in the control group. In the between-group comparisons, fatigue score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and the between-group comparison also demonstrated a significant difference favoring the intervention group. We conclude that the combination of listening to the Holy Qur'an and back massage improve participant's fatigue and quality of life.

Combined aerobic and resistance exercise in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis

Exercise brings many benefits to patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), but the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise remains unclear. English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and CBM) were searched from inception to January 2023 to retrieve qualified randomized controlled trials. The literature selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of included studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 23 studies with 1214 participants were included, and 17 of the interventions were conducted during dialysis. Results showed that combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) improved the peak oxygen uptake, six-minute walking test, 60 s sit-to-stand test (STS), 30 s STS, dialysis adequacy, five (out of eight) domains and physical component summary of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, blood pressure, and hemoglobin for MHD patients compared with usual care. No significant changes were found in the mental component summary of HRQOL, C-reactive protein, creatinine, potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphate. Subgroup analysis showed that intradialytic CARE ameliorated more outcomes, except for handgrip strength and hemoglobin, than non-intradialytic ones. CARE is an effective way to improve physical function, aerobic capacity, dialysis adequacy, and HRQOL for MHD patients. Strategies should be implemented by clinicians and policymakers to motivate patients to do more exercise. Well-designed clinical trials are warranted to explore the effectiveness of non-intradialytic CARE.

Effects of Exercise on Inflammatory Markers in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a systemic inflammatory state. We assessed the effects of exercise on inflammatory markers in individuals with CKD. An electronic search was conducted, including MEDLINE. Experimental clinical trials that investigated the effects of exercise on inflammatory markers in individuals with CKD at all stages were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using the random-effects model and standard mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analyses were performed for resistance, aerobic, and combined exercise interventions. Twenty-nine studies were included in the meta-analyses. Exercise interventions showed significant reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD: -0.23; 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.06), interleukin (IL)-6 (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.14), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (SMD: -0.63, 95% CI: -1.01, -0.25) when compared with the controls. IL-10 levels significantly increased (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.09, 1.23) with exercise interventions. Resistance interventions significantly decreased CRP (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI: -0.69, -0.09) and TNF-α (SMD: -0.72, 95% CI: -1.20, -0.23) levels, while increasing IL-10 levels (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.09). Aerobic interventions only significantly reduced IL-6 levels (SMD: -0.26, 95% CI: -0.51, -0.01). No significant changes in any inflammatory markers were observed with combined exercise interventions. Exercise interventions are effective as an anti-inflammatory therapy in individuals with CKD compared to usual care control groups. Resistance interventions seem to promote greater anti-inflammatory effects.

Comprehensive review: Frailty in pancreas transplant candidates and recipients

Well-selected patients with kidney disease and diabetes mellitus who undergo simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation often experience dramatic improvements in quality of life and long-term survival compared to those who remain on medical therapy. Over the past several years the importance of frailty in the pancreas transplant candidate and recipient populations has grown. More patients with advanced age have entered the waitlist, and complications from prolonged diabetes, even in younger patients, have created increased evidence of risk for frailty. Given these concerns, and the broad challenges facing pancreas transplantation volumes overall, we generated this review to help establish the impact and implications. We summarize the interplay of immunological factors, aging, environmental factors, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease that put these patients at risk for frailty. We discuss its measurement and recommend a combination of two instruments (both well-validated and one entirely objective). We describe the outcomes for patients before and after pancreas transplantation who may have frailty, and what interventions can be taken to mitigate its effects. Broader investigation into frailty in the pancreas transplant population is needed to better understand how to select patients for pancreas transplantation and to how manage its consequences thereafter.

Effects of a Combined Intradialytic Exercise Training Program on Functional Capacity and Body Composition in Kidney Transplant Candidates

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to gradual muscle mass loss, which is strongly associated with lower functional capacity, which limits a patient’s daily activities. The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of a 4-month intradialytic exercise program on the functional capacity and body composition of kidney transplant (KT) candidates. Twenty-nine male patients on hemodialysis (HD) waiting for a kidney transplant, with a mean age of 53.86 ± 9.56 years old and BMI 27.11 ± 5.55 kg/m2, were randomly assigned into the following two groups: A (nA = 15 HD patients), who followed a 4-month intradialytic exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training, with a supervised, progressively increasing workload, and B (nB = 14 HD patients), who continued to receive usual care. At baseline and the end of the study, the KT candidates underwent a 6-min walking distance (6-MWD), and a 10-repetition sit-to-stand test (10-STS) to access physical function, a handgrip strength (HGS) test to evaluate the muscle strength of the non-fistula hand. Moreover, the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to assess body composition indices, such as body fat (BF), body fat mass index (BFMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), body cell mass (BCM), basal metabolic rate (BMR), extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), total body water (TBW) and phase angle (PhA). Following the exercise program, group A showed favorable improvements in HGS (from 26.59 ± 9.23 to 28.61 ± 9.58 kg, p < 0.05) and 6-MWD (from 427.07 ± 7.66 to 468.16 ± 11.39 m, p < 0.05). Intergroup results from 6-MWD showed a statistically significant difference (Δp = 0.04), at the end of the study. Moreover, group A results from BIA revealed a significant increase of BMR by 2.4% (p < 0.05), ECW by 3.6% (p = 0.01), ICW by 3.8% (p = 0.01), TBW by 4.1% (p = 0.01), lean mass by 2.7% (p = 0.01), and PhA by 13.3% (p = 0.04), while a reduction in BF by 5.0% (p = 0.01) and BFMI by 6.6% (p = 0.03) was also noticed. At the end of the study, group A showed statistical differences in BMR (Δp = 0.01), BMR/BW (Δp = 0.01), dry lean (Δp = 0.01), and PhA (Δp = 0.03), compared to the group B. Linear regression analysis in group A after training showed positive correlations between HGS and both PhA (r = 0.52, p = 0.04) and FFMI (r = 0.64, p = 0.01), and a strong negative correlation between 6-MWT and BF (r = −0.61, p = 0.01). In conclusion, a 4-month intradialytic exercise program can enhance body composition and some physical parameters in HD patients awaiting kidney transplantation.

Does Intradialytic Group Exercise Programme Influence Patient-Reported Outcomes, Laboratory Parameters, and Anthropometric Parameters in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients? A Single-Group Repeated-Measures Trial

BACKGROUND

Maintenance hemodialysis(MHD) patients often suffer from fatigue and are recommended to undertake physical activities. The optimal format of exercise rehabilitation for MHD patients remains uncertain despite demonstrated health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intradialytic group exercise programme for MHD patients.

METHODS

This was a single-centre, single-group repeated-measures design study. The 12-week, three times per-week intradialytic group exercise programme was conducted for around 30 min during the first 2 hours of each dialysis session. Patient-reported outcomes including fatigue, anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life, laboratory parameters including haemoglobin, albumin, pre-albumin and hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and anthropometric parameters including triceps skinfold thickness, mid-upper arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference and handgrip strength, were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 12-weeks post-intervention. The repeated-measures analysis of variance and Friedman test were used to compare the parametric and non-parametric data across time points, respectively.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were enrolled and 75 completed. Participants reported significant improvements across time points in fatigue (F = 10.19, p < 0.01), depression (F = 19.20, p < 0.001), health-related quality of life (F = 5.36, p = 0.006), haemoglobin (F = 3.43, p = 0.047), albumin (F = 4.42, p = 0.032), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (χ ² = 50.39, p < 0.001), pre-albumin (χ ² = 11.85, p = 0.003), triceps skinfold thickness (F = 25.03, p < 0.001), mid-upper arm circumference (F = 6.32, p = 0.005), mid-arm muscle circumference (F = 4.89, p = 0.02), and handgrip strength (F = 13.59, p < 0.001). Although the mean anxiety score tended to reduce, the difference across time points was nonsignificant (F = 1.33, p = 0.27).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that the intradialytic group exercise programme could improve MHD patients' fatigue, depression, health-related quality of life, nutritional status, and inflammation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000034394 (04/07/2020).

Measuring quality of life in trials including patients on haemodialysis: methodological issues surrounding the use of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Haemodialysis (HD) treatment causes a significant decrease in quality of life (QoL). When enrolled in a clinical trial, some patients are lost prior to follow-up because they die or they receive a kidney transplant. It is unclear how these patients are dealt with in the analysis of QoL data. There are questions surrounding the consistency of how QoL measures are used, reported and analysed.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases for trials measuring QoL in HD patients using any variation of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQoL) Questionnaire was conducted. The review was conducted in Covidence version 2. Quantitative analysis was conducted in Stata version 16.

RESULTS

We included 61 trials in the review, of which 82% reported dropouts. The methods to account for missing data due to dropouts include imputation (7%) and complete case analysis (72%). Few trials (7%) conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of missing data on the study results. Single imputation techniques were used, but are only valid under strong assumptions regarding the type and pattern of missingness. There was inconsistency in the reporting of the KDQoL, with many articles (70%) amending the validated questionnaires or reporting only statistically significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

Missing data are not dealt with according to the missing data mechanism, which may lead to biased results. Inconsistency in the use of patient-reported outcome measures raises questions about the validity of these trials. Methodological issues in nephrology trials could be a contributing factor to why there are limited effective interventions to improve QoL in this patient group.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42020223869.

Effect of Exercise on Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: In recent years, physical exercise has been investigated for its potential as a therapeutic tool in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis maintenance treatment (HD). It has been shown that regular practice of moderate-intensity exercise can improve certain aspects of immune function and exert anti-inflammatory effects, having been associated with low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and high levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Purpose: The aim of this review is to examine the studies carried out in this population that analyzed the effect of intradialytic exercise on the inflammatory state and evaluate which exercise modality is most effective. Methods: The search was carried out in the MEDLINE, CINAHL Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to June 2022. The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and MINORS were used to evaluate the risk of bias. The quality of evidence was assessed with GRADE scale. The outcome measures were systemic inflammation biomarkers. Results: Mixed results were found in terms of improving inflammation biomarkers, such as CRP, IL-6 or TNFα, after exercise. Aerobic exercise seems to improve systemic inflammation when performed at medium intensity while resistance training produced better outcomes when performed at high intensity. However, some studies reported no differences after exercise and these results should be taken with caution. Conclusions: The low quality of the evidence suggests that aerobic and resistance exercise during HD treatment improves systemic inflammation biomarkers in patients with ESRD. In any case, interventions that increase physical activity in patients with ESRD are of vital importance as sedentary behaviors are associated with mortality. More studies are needed to affirm solid conclusions and to make intervention parameters, such as modality, dose, intensity or duration, sufficiently clear.

The Effect of Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Interventions on Measures Associated with Sarcopenia in End-Stage Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of the available evidence for the effects of interventions on outcome measures associated with sarcopenia in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Thirteen databases were searched, supplemented with internet and hand searching. Randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological or pharmacological interventions in adults with ESKD were eligible. Trials were restricted to those which had reported measures of sarcopenia. Primary outcome measures were hand grip strength and sit-to-stand tests. Sixty-four trials were eligible (with nineteen being included in meta-analyses). Synthesised data indicated that intradialytic exercise increased hand grip strength (standardised mean difference, 0.58; 0.24 to 0.91; p = 0.0007; I2 = 40%), and sit-to-stand (STS) 60 score (mean difference, 3.74 repetitions; 2.35 to 5.14; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Intradialytic exercise alone, and protein supplementation alone, resulted in no statistically significant change in STS5 (−0.78 s; −1.86 to 0.30; p = 0.16; I2 = 0%), and STS30 (MD, 0.97 repetitions; −0.16 to 2.10; p = 0.09; I2 = 0%) performance, respectively. For secondary outcomes, L-carnitine and nandrolone-decanoate resulted in significant increases in muscle quantity in the dialysis population. Intradialytic exercise modifies measures of sarcopenia in the haemodialysis population; however, the majority of trials were low in quality. There is limited evidence for efficacious interventions in the peritoneal dialysis and transplant recipient populations.

Effects of Systematic Diet Education Combined with Multidisciplinary Nursing on Nutritional Status and Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease in Uremic Phase after Treatment with Alogliptin

Objective

To explore the effects of systematic diet education combined with multidisciplinary nursing on nutritional status and calcium and phosphorus metabolism in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in uremic phase after treatment with alogliptin.

Methods

A total of 90 DKD patients with uremia admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were selected as the research objects. The subjects were divided into combined group and routine group by random number table method. All patients received alogliptin medication. The combination group received systematic dietary education combined with multidisciplinary nursing after the medication, and the conventional group received conventional intervention. Serum albumin, blood calcium, and other indexes were detected between both groups after intervention.

Results

After intervention, compared with the conventional group, all nutritional indexes of the combined group were obviously higher, levels of serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product of the combined group were obviously lower (P < 0.001), the incidence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia of the combined group was obviously lower (P < 0.05), the total compliance rate of the combined group was obviously higher (P < 0.05), and the SAS score of the combined group was obviously lower (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

With conspicuous intervention effect, systematic diet education combined with multidisciplinary nursing is a reliable method that can improve the nutritional status and levels of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, enhance treatment compliance, and reduce anxiety. Further research will help to provide a better solution for patients. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2200057011.

Exercise training for adults undergoing maintenance dialysis

BACKGROUND

Dialysis treatments weigh heavily on patients' physical and psychosocial health. Multiple studies have assessed the potential for exercise training to improve outcomes in adults undergoing dialysis. However, uncertainties exist in its relevance and sustainable benefits for patient-important outcomes. This is an update of a review first published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and safety of regular structured exercise training in adults undergoing dialysis on patient-important outcomes including death, cardiovascular events, fatigue, functional capacity, pain, and depression. We also aimed to define the optimal prescription of exercise in adults undergoing dialysis.

SEARCH METHODS

In this update, we conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 23 December 2020. The Register includes studies identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov as well as kidney-related journals and the proceedings of major kidney conferences.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of any structured exercise programs of eight weeks or more in adults undergoing maintenance dialysis compared to no exercise or sham exercise.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed the search results for eligibility, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Whenever appropriate, we performed random-effects meta-analyses of the mean difference in outcomes. The primary outcomes were death (any cause), cardiovascular events and fatigue. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, pain, functional capacity, blood pressure, adherence to the exercise program, and intervention-related adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 89 studies involving 4291 randomised participants, of which 77 studies (3846 participants) contributed to the meta-analyses. Seven studies included adults undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Fifty-six studies reported aerobic exercise interventions, 21 resistance exercise interventions and 19 combined aerobic and resistance training within the same study arm. The interventions lasted from eight weeks to two years and most often took place thrice weekly during dialysis treatments. A single study reported death and no study reported long-term cardiovascular events. Five studies directly assessed fatigue, 46 reported HRQoL and 16 reported fatigue or pain through their assessment of HRQoL. Thirty-five studies assessed functional capacity, and 21 reported resting peripheral blood pressure. Twelve studies reported adherence to exercise sessions, and nine reported exercise-related adverse events. Overall, the quality of the included studies was low and blinding of the participants was generally not feasible due to the nature of the intervention. Exercise had uncertain effects on death, cardiovascular events, and the mental component of HRQoL due to the very low certainty of evidence. Compared with sham or no exercise, exercise training for two to 12 months may improve fatigue in adults undergoing dialysis, however, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Any exercise training for two to 12 months may improve the physical component of HRQoL (17 studies, 656 participants: MD 4.12, 95% CI 1.88 to 6.37 points on 100 points-scale; I² = 49%; low certainty evidence). Any exercise training for two to 12 months probably improves depressive symptoms (10 studies, 441 participants: SMD -0.65, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.22; I² = 77%; moderate certainty evidence) and the magnitude of the effect may be greater when maintaining the exercise beyond four months (6 studies, 311 participants: SMD -0.30, 95% CI 0.14 to -0.74; I² = 71%). Any exercise training for three to 12 months may improve pain (15 studies, 872 participants: MD 5.28 95% CI -0.12 to 10.69 points on 100 points-scale; I² = 63%: low certainty evidence) however, the 95% CI indicates that exercise training may make little or no difference in the level of pain. Any exercise training for two to six months probably improves functional capacity as it increased the distance reached during six minutes of walking (19 studies, 827 participants: MD 49.91 metres, 95% CI 37.22 to 62.59; I² = 34%; moderate certainty evidence) and the number of sit-to-stand cycles performed in 30 seconds (MD 2.33 cycles, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.96; moderate certainty evidence). There was insufficient evidence to assess the safety of exercise training for adults undergoing maintenance dialysis. The results were similar for aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and a combination of both aerobic and resistance exercise.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It is uncertain whether exercise training improves death, cardiovascular events, or the mental component of HRQoL in adults undergoing maintenance dialysis. Exercise training probably improves depressive symptoms, particularly when the intervention is maintained beyond four months. Exercise training is also likely to improve functional capacity. Low certainty evidence suggested that exercise training may improve fatigue, the physical component of quality of life, and pain. The safety of exercise training for adults undergoing dialysis remains uncertain.

Effects of intradialytic exercise on health-related quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To summarize the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of intradialytic exercise (IDE) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis.

METHODS

Five English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) and four Chinese databases (VIP, WAN FANG, CNKI, CBM) were comprehensively searched from their inception to 18 March 2021. This study was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Two independent reviewers selected the papers and extracted the details of each study therein. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The risk of bias tool version 2.0 was used to evaluate the risk of bias of the included studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool the effect size.

RESULTS

Thirty-three eligible studies with 1481 participants were included. For the generic HRQOL, assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form survey, IDE significantly improved most domains and the physical component summary compared with the control group. Furthermore, aerobic exercise alone significantly improved more domains compared to resistance exercise, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, and other types of exercise. Regarding the kidney-specific HRQOL, IDE improved three of eleven domains, including the symptom/problem list, the effect of kidney disease, and the quality of social interaction. No significant effect was found on other domains of kidney-specific HRQOL.

CONCLUSION

Intradialytic exercise could benefit patients undergoing haemodialysis in improving most domains of generic HRQOL, but the effect on most domains of kidney-specific HRQOL is insufficient.

Improving dialysis adequacy and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis with twice a week range of motion exercise

The study aimed to determine the effects of giving range of motion (ROM) twice a week as a form intradialytic exercise on patients' dialysis adequacy and quality of life. A total of 48 eligible participants were recruited and completed this study. The intervention group (n = 24) received twice a week ROM exercise over a 4 weeks period. The outcomes were assessed at pretest and at the end of the intervention. The study shows that ROM exercise was effective in improving dialyis adequacy that include ureum retention ratio (p= 0.027) and Kt/V (p= 0.017). Quality of life improved significantly particularly in the domains of symptom and effect of kidney disease. Integrating ROM into dialysis care shows as a potential intervention to improve dialysis adequacy and quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Future research should evaluate its efficacy using a randomized clinical trial design and larger sample of patients.

The Effect of Exercise on Nutritional Status and Body Composition in Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with aggravating factors which can affect both body composition and nutritional status. The purpose of the present systematic review was to investigate the potential effects of any physical activity on body composition or nutritional status among patients with stage 5 CKD undergoing hemodialysis (HD). A literature search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane was conducted and 14 randomized clinical trials were included. Skeletal muscle index and mid-arm muscular circumference increased after resistance exercise, and the results on body mass index, % body fat, and lean body mass varied. Serum albumin and C-reactive protein, in most cases, showed a slight increase and decrease, respectively. An improvement was also observed in body strength and overall performance status. The results suggest that physical activity can be beneficial for both the body composition and nutritional status of patients undergoing HD and can help in the prevention of sarcopenia. However, further research is needed mainly in the field of nutritional status.

Patient-led identification and prioritization of exercise interventions for fatigue on dialysis: a workshop report

Background

Fatigue is one of the most important symptoms among patients receiving dialysis and is nominated as a core outcome to be reported in all clinical trials in this setting. However, few trials of interventions targeting fatigue have been conducted. Patients historically have rarely been involved in the design of interventions, which can limit acceptability and uptake. When asked, they have indicated a preference for lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, to improve fatigue. While some research has focussed on intradialytic exercise for patients receiving haemodialysis, patients have also indicated a preference for a convenient method of exercising with guidance, but on their own time outside of dialysis hours. In response to this, a mobile phone application was proposed as the method of delivery for a home-based exercise intervention targeting fatigue.

Methods

We convened a workshop with five breakout group sessions in Australia, with 24 patients on dialysis (16 haemodialysis and 8 peritoneal dialysis) and 8 caregivers to identify, prioritize and discuss exercise interventions for fatigue in patients receiving dialysis and the delivery of this through a mobile application.

Results

Of the 21 types of exercise identified, the top-ranked were walking outdoors, walking on a treadmill and cardio and resistance training. Six themes were identified: (i) ‘an expectation of tangible gains from exercise’, including strengthening and protecting against bodily deterioration related to dialysis; (ii) ‘overcoming physical limitations’, meaning that comorbidities, baseline fatigue and fluctuating health needed to be addressed to engage in exercise; (iii) ‘fear of risks’, which reinforced the importance of safety and compatibility of exercise with dialysis; (iv) ‘realistic and achievable’ exercise, which would ensure initial readiness for uptake; (v) ‘enhancing motivation and interest’ , which expected to support sustained use of the exercise intervention and (vi) ‘ensuring usability of the mobile application’ , which would require simplicity, convenience and comprehensibility.

Conclusion

Exercise interventions that are expected by patients to improve health outcomes and that are safe, realistic and easy to adopt may be more acceptable to patients on dialysis.

Intradialytic training in patients with end-stage renal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of five different training interventions

OBJECTIVE

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis may have reduced dialysis adequacy (Kt/V), low cardiorespiratory fitness, and worse prognosis. Different types of intradialytic training (IDT) may serve as an adjunct therapy for the management of the ESRD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of different types of IDT on clinical outcomes and functional parameters in ESRD.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials in adult patients with ESRD which compared IDT with usual care (UC), without language restrictions and published up to July 2019; a handsearch of references was also performed. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE, and risk of bias in primary studies with the RoB 1.0 tool.

RESULTS

Fifty studies were included (n = 1757). Compared to UC, aerobic IDT improved Kt/V (WMD = 0.08), VO₂peak (WMD = 2.07 mL/kg/min), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (64.98 m), reduced systolic blood pressure (- 10.07 mmHg) and C-reactive protein (- 3.28 mg/L). Resistance training increased 6MWT distance (68.50 m). Combined training increased VO₂peak (5.41 mL/kg/min) and reduced diastolic blood pressure (- 5.76 mmHg). Functional electrostimulation (FES) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improved 6MWT distance (54.14 m and 117.62 m, respectively). There was no impact on total cholesterol, interleukin-6, or hemoglobin levels. There was no difference in incidence of adverse events between the IDT and control groups. The certainty of evidence was variable according to the GRADE scale, with most outcomes rated very low certainty. The risk of bias assessment of primary studies showed unclear risk in most.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic, resistance, and combined training during hemodialysis, as well as FES and IMT, demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of the patient with ESRD. Our data should be interpreted in light of the unclear risk of bias of most evaluated articles and the low to very low certainty of evidence for evaluated outcomes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID

CRD42017081338. DATA SHARING REPOSITORY: https://osf.io/fpj54/.