The role of exercise in improving patient-reported outcomes in individuals on dialysis: A scoping review

Exercise perceptions and practices of people receiving peritoneal dialysis: An international cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Low physical activity and functional impairment are prevalent and unaddressed in people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Exercise has been shown to improve physical function and mental health for people with kidney disease.

METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive survey aimed at identifying the exercise and physical activity perceptions and practice patterns of people receiving PD. The survey was developed and pretested with persons living with kidney disease, PD clinicians and exercise specialists.

RESULTS

There were 108 respondents (people receiving PD) with the majority from Canada (68%) and the United Kingdom (25%). Seventy-one per cent were engaged in physical activity two or more times per week. Most (91.8%) believed that physical activity is beneficial, and 61.7% reported healthcare provider discussion about physical activity. Perceptions regarding weightlifting restrictions varied: 76% were told not to lift weight with a maximum amount ranging from 2 kg to 45 kg. Few (28%) were instructed to drain PD fluid prior to physical activity. Mixed advice regarding swimming ability was common (44% were told they could swim and 44% were told they should not).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge gaps suggest that education for both healthcare providers and patients is needed regarding the practice of exercise for people living with PD. Common areas of confusion include the maximum weight a person should lift, whether exercise was safe with or without intrabdominal PD fluid in situ and whether swimming is allowed. Further research is needed to provide patients with evidence-based recommendations rather than defaulting to restricting activity.

Home-based exercise in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Lack of exercise may reduce the quality of life, physical capability, and functional capability of dialysis patients. Home-based exercise seems to be a desirable form of low-cost intervention. But the effectiveness of this intervention in the dialysis population is still unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to provide effective evidence to determine the impact of home-based exercise on functional capacity, physical capacity, muscular strength, biochemical parameters, and health-related quality of life among dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2023, to identify potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of home-based exercise in dialysis patients with ESRD. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. Evidence summary using fixed or random effects for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs including 1008 dialysis patients met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed significant effects of home-based exercise on physical capacity. Seven studies reported the results of the 6-min walking test, compared with short-term (0-3 months) home-based exercise (P = 0.76), long-term (3-6 months) interventions (P < 0.001) can significantly improve the results of the 6-min walking test. The results showed that home-based exercise did significantly improve patients' VO2 peak (P = 0.007). Compared with center-based exercise or usual care, home exercise did not significantly improve handgrip strength, quality of life or CRP and other biochemical parameters (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that long-term home-based exercise can improve walking ability. In addition, home-based exercise had the benefit on the VO2 peak of ESRD patients receiving dialysis patients. However, there was no statistically significant difference in handgrip strength, health-related quality of life, CRP, and other biochemical parameters.

Constipation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Constipation is a frequent symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review outlines the mechanisms and management of constipation in patients with CKD from a physician's perspective. Common causes of constipation in patients with CKD include concomitant medications, low dietary fiber intake, water-restricted diet, lack of physical activity, altered gut microbiota, and reduced gastrointestinal motility. Constipation has a negative impact on overall health, and, in particular, the presence of constipation has been associated with worsening kidney function and increased risk of developing advanced stages of CKD. Although lifestyle and dietary modifications may not always be practical for patients with CKD, they are recommended because they are beneficial as they lower mortality in patients with CKD. The use of laxatives containing magnesium salts, bulking agents, and osmotic laxatives may have insufficient efficacy and may be associated with adverse effects. In contrast, lactulose and lubiprostone have been shown to exhibit reno-protective effects. Linaclotide and plecanatide have very limited systemic absorption and appear safe in patients with CKD. Tenapanor reduces paracellular intestinal phosphate absorption in addition to blocking sodium uptake by enterocytes, and provides additional benefit in patients patients with CKD who have hyperphosphatemia and constipation. Prucalopride leads to improvements in bowel function and constipation-related symptoms in cases in which response to conventional laxatives are inadequate. However, the dose of prucalopride should be reduced to 1 mg once daily for patients with CKD. In conclusion, there are important advances on the impact and treatment of constipation in patients with CKD.

Managing the symptom burden associated with maintenance dialysis: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference

Individuals with kidney failure undergoing maintenance dialysis frequently report a high symptom burden that can interfere with functioning and diminish life satisfaction. Until recently, the focus of nephrology care for dialysis patients has been related primarily to numerical targets for laboratory measures, and outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and mortality. Routine symptom assessment is not universal or standardized in dialysis care. Even when symptoms are identified, treatment options are limited and are initiated infrequently, in part because of a paucity of evidence in the dialysis population and the complexities of medication interactions in kidney failure. In May of 2022, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) held a Controversies Conference-Symptom-Based Complications in Dialysis-to identify the optimal means for diagnosing and managing symptom-based complications in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis. Participants included patients, physicians, behavioral therapists, nurses, pharmacists, and clinical researchers. They outlined foundational principles and consensus points related to identifying and addressing symptoms experienced by patients undergoing dialysis and described gaps in the knowledge base and priorities for research. Healthcare delivery and education systems have a responsibility to provide individualized symptom assessment and management. Nephrology teams should take the lead in symptom management, although this does not necessarily mean taking ownership of all aspects of care. Even when options for clinical response are limited, clinicians should focus on acknowledging, prioritizing, and managing symptoms that are most important to individual patients. A recognized factor in the initiation and implementation of improvements in symptom assessment and management is that they will be based on locally existing needs and resources.

A Randomized Trial Examining the Impact of Timing of Intradialytic Cycling on Intradialytic Hypotension

Introduction

Intradialytic cycling is often performed during the first half of hemodialysis because of concerns regarding increased frequency of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) late in hemodialysis. This increases exercise program resource needs and limits utility of intradialytic cycling to treat dialysis-related symptoms.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, crossover trial compared IDH rate when cycling during the first half versus the second half of hemodialysis in 98 adults on maintenance hemodialysis. Group A cycled during the first half of hemodialysis for 2 weeks and subsequently during the second half for 2 weeks. In group B, the cycling schedule was reversed. Blood pressure (BP) was measured every 15 minutes throughout hemodialysis. Primary outcome was IDH rate (systolic BP [SBP] decrease of >20 mm Hg or SBP <90 mm Hg). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic IDH rate and time to recover post hemodialysis. Data were analyzed using negative binomial and gamma distribution mixed regression.

Results

Mean age 64.7 (SD 12.0) and 64.7 (SD 14.2) years in group A (n = 52) and group B (n = 46), respectively. Proportions of females were 33% in group A and 43% in group B. Median time on hemodialysis was 4.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5, 6.1]) years in group A and 3.9 years (IQR 2.5, 6.7) in group B. IDH rate per 100 hemodialysis hours (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 34.2 (26.4, 42.0) and 36.0 (28.9, 43.1) during early and late intradialytic cycling, respectively (P = 0.53). Timing of intradialytic cycling was not associated with symptomatic IDH (relative risk [RR]: 1.07 [0.75-1.53]) or time to recover post hemodialysis (odds ratio: 0.99 [0.79-1.23]).

Conclusion

We found no association between the rate of overall or symptomatic IDH and the timing of intradialytic cycling in patients enrolled in an intradialytic cycling program. Increased use of cycling late in hemodialysis may optimize intradialytic cycling program resource use and should be studied as a possible treatment for symptoms common in late hemodialysis.

Change in Physical Activity and Function in Patients with Baseline Advanced Nondialysis CKD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although progressive decline in physical activity and function are common in individuals with worsening CKD, little is known about the effect of dialysis initiation on physical activity. We assessed for any association of progression to dialysis in people with advanced CKD with temporal rates of change in physical activity and function.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Canadian Frailty Observation and Interventions Trial (CanFIT) participants with an eGFR of <30 ml/min per 1.73 m² were included. Outcomes included change in physical activity level, measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and physical function, measured using the chair stand, 4-m gait speed, and grip strength tests. Generalized linear regression models were conducted to determine whether dialysis initiation was associated with greater decline in physical activity or function.

RESULTS

Of 386 individuals, 162 progressed to dialysis. Both assessments were completed by 98% of individuals for the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, 86% for the chair stand test, 84% for the gait speed test, and 91% for the grip strength test. Median (interquartile range) interassessment follow-up was 427 (357-578) days for the "stable advanced CKD" group and 606 (428-1000) days for the "progressed to dialysis" group. Self-reported physical activity and gait speed significantly declined in both groups. Mean (SD) chair stand time increased from 20.8 (17.1) to 24.0 (21.0) seconds among patients with stable advanced CKD, and from 18.5 (15.4) to 27.4 (22.2) seconds among those who progressed to dialysis (adjusted difference in change, 5.2 seconds; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 9.7 seconds; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced CKD experience progressive declines in physical activity and function. Transition to dialysis is associated with accelerated decline in physical function, as measured by the chair stand test.

Metabolic Syndrome and Psychological Effects of Exercise in Hemodialysis Patients

Metabolic syndrome (MS) and anxiety disorders are common problems among hemodialysis patients (HD). However, there have been no studies defining the role of physical activity in reducing anxiety in HD patients with MS. This study was aimed to determine the effects on the severity of anxiety of a four-week rehabilitation program for HD patients, with or without metabolic syndrome (MS), planned and adapted to their abilities. The study was single-center, interventional, non-randomized, and prospective. Fifty-eight individuals completed the project (28 HD patients and 30 controls (C) with normal kidney function). Each group was divided into two subgroups with respect to MS. The mean age of the subjects in the HD and C groups was 56.9 ± 13.3 years (x¯ ± SD) and 61.5 ± 8.3 years (x¯ ± SD), respectively. Planned and adapted to the patient's abilities, the rehabilitation program based on physiotherapy was provided to each subject for 4 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention determined anxiety levels using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The X1 scale tests state anxiety, and the X2 scale tests trait anxiety. Post-intervention, there was no significant difference in the intensity of state anxiety observed in HD patients compared to C with normal renal function, as observed before the program. After four weeks of regular physical activity planned and adapted to the patient's abilities in an inpatient ward, the level of state anxiety (X1) and trait anxiety (X2) lowered considerably in all HD patients (respectively: 35.1 ± 8.0 vs. 29.2 ± 5.0, p = 0.001 for X1 and 41.8 ± 9.1 vs. 38.1 ± 5.9, p = 0.008 for X2). The rehabilitation program significantly reduced the intensity of state anxiety (X1) in HD patients with MS (35.8 ± 7.9 vs. 29.2 ± 5.1; p = 0.01). The rehabilitation program helped to significantly reduce the intensity of trait anxiety (X2) in HD patients without MS (41.9 ± 10.7 vs. 36.9 ± 5.9; p = 0.04). Four-week physical activity planned and adapted to the patient's abilities reduces the intensity of anxiety in HD patients and controls with normal renal function. HD patients with MS benefit more in terms of reducing perceived state anxiety, and HD patients without MS in terms of reducing trait anxiety.

Motivation, Barriers, and Suggestions for Intradialytic Exercise-A Qualitative Study among Patients and Nurses

Background: Intradialytic exercise is an effective intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality and increase quality of life among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. However, implementing and sustaining it in clinical practice has proved challenging. To identify how to best design an effective and sustainable intervention in clinical practice, we aimed to explore hemodialysis patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards intradialytic exercise, including their motivation, anticipated barriers, and suggestions for the design of a proposed exercise program. Methods: Data were collected through qualitative semistructured interviews with patients and focus group interviews with nurses and analyzed inductively with content analysis. Results: Overall, patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards intradialytic exercise were positive. Patients were motivated by their expectations about perceived benefits, such as improved quality of life and reduced musculoskeletal pain. Their main concern was triggering dialysis machine alarms and disturbing nurses. Nurses were more skeptical of intradialytic exercise and concerned about patient safety. Patients and nurses had several ideas on how to design a safe and motivating intradialytic exercise intervention. Conclusion: The analysis of patients’ and nurses’ experiences and attitudes generated recommendations for an intradialytic exercise program. Recommendations include individually tailored programs that are safe and that patients can do independently, continuous collaboration between patients, nurses, physicians, and physiotherapists, and educating nurses about the benefits and safety of intradialytic exercise.

Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of 12 Months of Combined Exercise Training during Hemodialysis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-Study Protocol of the Dialysis Training Therapy (DiaTT) Trial

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) experience treatment-related immobility and physical deconditioning, which is responsible for an increased risk of frailty and a high burden of multi-morbidity. Exercise has been shown to counteract this vicious cycle; however, its effectiveness has only been investigated in small cohorts. Therefore, the objective of the Dialysis Training Therapy (DiaTT) trial will be to assess the effects of a 12-month intradialytic exercise program on physical functioning, frailty and health economics in a large cohort of HD patients in a real-world setting. DiaTT will be a prospective, cluster-randomized (1:1), controlled, multi-center, interventional clinical trial across 28 dialysis units, aiming at the recruitment of >1100 CKD patients on HD. The intervention group will receive 12 months’ intradialytic exercise (combined aerobic and resistance training), whereas the usual care group will not receive intervention. The primary endpoint will be a change on the sit-to-stand test (STS60) result between baseline and 12 months. Secondary endpoints will include physical functioning, frailty, quality of life, 3-point MACE, hospitalizations, survival, quality of HD, health literacy and health care costs. By including almost as many patients as previously investigated in smaller trials, DiaTT will be the largest randomized, controlled trial assessing frailty, quality of life and mortality in the field of nephrology.

Addressing feasibility challenges to delivering intradialytic exercise interventions: A theory-informed qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Intradialytic exercise (IDE) may improve physical function and health-related quality of life. However, incorporating IDE into standard hemodialysis care has been slow due to feasibility challenges. We conducted a multicenter qualitative feasibility study to identify potential barriers and enablers to IDE and generate potential solutions to these factors.

METHODS

We conducted 43 semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers and patients across twelve hospitals in Ontario, Canada. We used the Theoretical Domains Framework and directed content analysis to analyze the data.

RESULTS

We identified eight relevant domains (knowledge, skills, beliefs about consequences, beliefs about capabilities, environmental context and resources, goals, social/professional role and identity, and social influences) represented by three overarching categories: 1) Knowledge, skills and expectations: lack of staff expertise to oversee exercise, uncertainty regarding exercise risks, benefits, and patient interest, lack of knowledge regarding exercise eligibility; 2) Human, material and logistical resources: staff concerns regarding workload, perception that exercise professionals should supervise IDE; space, equipment, and scheduling conflict concerns; 3) Social dynamics of the unit: local champions and patient stories contribute to IDE sustainability.We developed a list of actionable solutions by mapping barriers and enablers to behavior change techniques. We also developed a feasibility checklist of 47 questions identifying key factors to address prior to IDE launch.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based solutions to identified barriers and enablers to IDE and a feasibility checklist may help recruit and support units, staff, and patients and address key challenges to the delivery of IDE in diverse clinical and research settings.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Dialysis-Related Symptoms in Individuals Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis is associated with a high symptom burden that impairs health-related quality of life and functional status. Effective symptom management is a priority for individuals receiving hemodialysis. Aerobic exercise may be an effective, nonpharmacologic treatment for specific hemodialysis-related symptoms. This systematic review investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on hemodialysis-related symptoms in adults with kidney failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, PEDro, and Scopus databases from 1960 or inception until April 15, 2020 for randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of aerobic exercise on hemodialysis-related symptoms, identified as prespecified primary or secondary outcomes, as compared with controls in adults on maintenance hemodialysis. We identified restless legs syndrome as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Of 3048 studies identified, 15 randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria. These studies investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on restless legs syndrome (two studies), sleep disturbance (four studies), anxiety (four studies), depression (nine studies), muscle cramping (one study), and fatigue (one study). Exercise interventions were intradialytic in ten studies and outside of hemodialysis in five studies. Heterogenous interventions and outcomes and moderate to high risk of bias precluded meta-analysis for most symptoms. Aerobic exercise demonstrated improvement in symptoms of restless legs syndrome, muscle cramping, and fatigue, as compared with nonexercise controls. Meta-analysis of depressive symptoms in studies using the Beck Depression Inventory demonstrated a greater reduction in Beck Depression Inventory score with exercise as compared with control (mean difference -7.57; 95% confidence interval, -8.25 to -6.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that in adults on maintenance hemodialysis, aerobic exercise improves several hemodialysis-related symptoms, including restless legs syndrome, symptoms of depression, muscle cramping, and fatigue. However, the use of validated outcome measures with demonstrated reliability and responsiveness in more diverse hemodialysis populations is required to fully characterize the effect of this intervention.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO #CRD42017056658.

Multifaceted Sexual Dysfunction in Dialyzing Men and Women: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Patient survival continues to increase with the growing quality of dialysis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). As such, chronic therapy must include considerations of quality of life (QOL), and this includes the disproportionate prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in this patient population. This review aims to describe the pathophysiological and the psychosocial causes of SD with regard to renal replacement therapy, particularly hemo- and peritoneal dialysis. The differences in its manifestation in men and women are compared, including hormonal imbalances—and therefore fertility, libido, and sexual satisfaction—the experience of depression and anxiety, and QOL. The impact of comorbidities and the iatrogenic causes of SD are described. This review also presents validated scales for screening and diagnosis of SD in CKD patients and outlines novel therapies and strategies for the effective management of SD. Increased prevalence of CKD invariably increases the number of patients with SD, and it is crucial for health care professional teams to become familiar with the clinical tools used to manage this sensitive and under-quantified field. As a known predictor of QOL, sexual function should become a point of focus in the pursuit of patient-centered care, particularly as we seek to achieve as “normal” a life as possible for individuals who receive dialysis.

An International Delphi Survey on Exercise Priorities in CKD

Introduction

Defining the role of exercise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a top research priority for people with CKD. We aimed to achieve consensus on specific research priorities in exercise and CKD among an international panel of stakeholders.

Methods

Using the Delphi method, patients/caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers submitted their top research priorities in round 1 and ranked their importance in rounds 2 and 3 using a 9-point Likert scale. The mean, median, and proportion of scores ranked 7 to 9 were calculated. Consensus was defined as priorities that scored above the overall mean and median score within each stakeholder panel. Qualitative description was used to understand participants’ rankings.

Results

Seventy participants (78% response) completed round 1: 15 (21.4%) clinicians, 33 (47.1%) researchers, 13 (18.6%) policymakers, and 9 (12.9%) patients; (85.7%) completed round 3. The top research priorities were defining exercise-related outcomes meaningful to patients, identifying patients’ motivation and perspective towards exercise, understanding the effect of exercise on the risk of institutionalization, mortality, and mobility, and understanding the effect of pre- and post-transplant exercise on postoperative recovery. Themes from the qualitative analysis were individualization, personal experience, and holistic approach to exercise (patients), the need to address common clinical problems (clinicians), developing targeted interventions (researchers), and the importance of evidence-based development versus implementation (policymakers).

Conclusions

Preventing physical disability was a common priority. Policymakers emphasized that more efficacy studies were needed. Other panels expressed the need for holistic and targeted exercise interventions and for outcomes that address common clinical problems.

Chronic Kidney Disease, Gut Dysbiosis, and Constipation: A Burdensome Triplet

Gut dysbiosis has been implicated in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alterations in the gut environment induced by uremic toxins, the dietary restriction of fiber-rich foods, and multiple drugs may be involved in CKD-related gut dysbiosis. CKD-related gut dysbiosis is considered to be characterized by the expansion of bacterial species producing precursors of harmful uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate, and the contraction of species generating beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate. Gut-derived uremic toxins cause oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses, whereas butyrate exerts anti-inflammatory effects and contributes to gut epithelial integrity. Gut dysbiosis is associated with the disruption of the gut epithelial barrier, which leads to the translocation of endotoxins. Research on CKD-related gut dysbiosis has mainly focused on chronic inflammation and consequent cardiovascular and renal damage. The pathogenic relationship between CKD-related gut dysbiosis and constipation has not yet been investigated in detail. Constipation is highly prevalent in CKD and affects the quality of life of these patients. Under the pathophysiological state of gut dysbiosis, altered bacterial fermentation products may play a prominent role in intestinal dysmotility. In this review, we outline the factors contributing to constipation, such as the gut microbiota and bacterial fermentation; introduce recent findings on the pathogenic link between CKD-related gut dysbiosis and constipation; and discuss potential interventions. This pathogenic link needs to be elucidated in more detail and may contribute to the development of novel treatment options not only for constipation, but also cardiovascular disease in CKD.

Physical activity in chronic kidney disease and the EXerCise Introduction To Enhance trial

It is well known from observational studies that sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity are common in dialysis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and associate with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Epidemiological studies indicate that CKD patients undergo physical activity ~9 days/month and 43.9% of dialysis patients report not exercising at all. On the basis of awareness about the strong link between sedentary lifestyle and adverse clinical outcomes, the National Kidney Foundation and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes have provided specific recommendations for physical activity in patients with kidney disease. Given the fact that CKD is a public health problem and it is still debated which type of exercise should be prescribed in these patients, this review focuses on the most robust evidence accumulated so far on the beneficial effect of various types of physical exercise on clinical outcomes in CKD and dialysis patients. This review does not treat this very important topic in another CKD category of patients, such as kidney-transplanted patients, for whom a special issue should be dedicated.

Resistance training improves sleep quality, redox balance and inflammatory profile in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial

Patients in maintenance hemodialisys (HD) present sleep disorders, increased inflammation, unbalanced redox profiles, and elevated biomarkers representing endothelial dysfunction. Resistance training (RT) has shown to mitigate the loss of muscle mass, strength, improve inflammatory profiles, and endothelial function while decreasing oxidative stress for those in HD. However, the relation between those factors and sleep quality are inadequately described. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of 3 months of RT on sleep quality, redox balance, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, inflammation profile, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients undergoing HD. Our primary goal was to describe the role of RT on sleep quality. Our secondary goal was to evaluate the effect of RT on NO, metabolism markers, and inflammatory and redox profiles as potential mechanisms to explain RT-induced sleep quality changes. Fifty-five men undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were randomized into either a control (CTL, n = 25) and RT group (RTG; n = 30). Participants in the RT group demonstrated an improvement in sleep pattern, redox, inflammatory profiles, and biomarkers of endothelial function (NO₂^- and ADMA). This group also increased muscle strength (total workload in RT exercises of upper and lower limbs). These findings support that RT may improve the clinical status of HD patients by improving their sleep quality, oxidative and inflammatory parameters.

Constipation in chronic kidney disease: it is time to reconsider

Constipation is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is primarily characterized by decreased intestinal motility. This chronic disorder affects the quality of life of patients. However, nephrologist and dialysis clinicians have long had a disproportionately limited understanding of constipation. Accumulating evidence has revealed a relationship between constipation and cardiovascular disease and CKD. The pathogenesis of constipation in CKD patients is multifactorial: decreased physical activity, comorbidities affecting bowel movement, such as diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, and hyperparathyroidism, a restricted dietary intake of plant-based fiber-rich foods, and multiple medications, including phosphate binders and potassium-binding resins, have all been implicated. CKD is associated with alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, so-called gut dysbiosis. Recent studies showed that CKD-related gut dysbiosis decreased intestinal motility via intestinal inflammation or the increased generation of gut-derived uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate. Furthermore, the gastrointestinal secretion of mucin was found to be decreased in CKD animal models, which may delay colonic transit by diminished lubrication in the alimentary tract. Thus, CKD-related gut dysbiosis may play a role in constipation, but limited information is currently available. Since constipation is often intractable, particularly in CKD patients, every available means needs to be employed in its treatment. The effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the composition of the gut microbiota and gut-derived uremic toxins have been increasingly reported. However, their effects on stool consistency or frequency in CKD patients remain unclear. Some laxatives may be beneficial for improving not only bowel habits but also gut dysbiosis. Further studies are required to elucidate the CKD-specific pathogenesis of constipation and develop novel effective treatment options.