Intradialytic periodized exercise improves cardiopulmonary fitness and respiratory function: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a factor that predisposes to gradual physical deconditioning from its early stages leading to cardiorespiratory fitness and musculoskeletal system impairment. We evaluated the effects of combined and periodized intradialytic exercise training on cardiopulmonary fitness and respiratory function in HD subjects. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with HD subjects was allocated into two groups: exercise group (EXG) and usual care group (UCG). EXG performed a 12-week combined and periodized intradialytic training. UCG maintained the HD routine. RESULTS: Thirty-nine HD subjects were analyzed (EXG = 20; UCG = 19). The EXG in comparison with the UCG showed improvements in peak oxygen consumption (Δ3.1[0.4-5.5] vs. -0.2[-2.0-1.5] ml/kg/min; p = 0.003), forced expiratory volume in the first second (Δ0.1[-0.0-0.1] vs. -0.0[-0.1-0.0] L; p = 0.022), forced vital capacity (Δ0.1[0.0-0.2] vs. -0.1[-0.2-0.0] L; p = 0.005), peak expiratory flow (Δ0.4[-0.7-1.2] vs. -0.1[-0.5-0.2] L; p = 0.046), and maximal inspiratory pressure (Δ7.35[-8.5-17.5] vs. -4.0[-18.0-12.0] cmH2 O; p = 0.028). The EXG, different from the UCG, did not worsen the maximal expiratory pressure (Δ0.1[-8.8-7.5] vs. -2.5[-15.0-9.0] cmH2 O; p = 0.036). Besides, EXG showed a significant improvement in quadriceps strength (32.05 ± 10.61 vs. 33.35 ± 11.62 kg; p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The combined and periodized intradialytic exercise training improved cardiopulmonary fitness, respiratory function, inspiratory muscle strength, and quadriceps strength, beyond maintaining the expiratory muscle strength in HD subjects.

Effects of upper limb exercise programs on the arteriovenous fistula in patients on hemodialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a commonly used vascular access for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; exercise interventions may boost its maturation and help in its maintenance. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on the effects of upper limb exercise programs on the AVF was conducted. METHODS: The primary outcomes were draining vein diameter (DVD) and draining vein blood flow rate (DVBFR), and secondary outcomes were handgrip strength (HGS) and brachial artery flow rate (BAFR). Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: Four studies met the inclusion criteria. When compared to usual care groups, the experimental groups did not improve DVD (mean difference [MD] 0.23, confidence interval [CI] -0.20-0.65). There were significant differences in DVBFR (mL/min) according to the fixed-effect model (MD 141.13, CI 36.84-245.42). HGS (kg) was significantly different between groups (MD 2.95, CI 0.55-5.35), but BAFR (mL/min) was not (MD 91.65, CI -94.72-278.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although exercise programs did not improve DVD and BAFR, they increased muscle strength and DVBFR. Therefore, experimental exercise programs should be emphasized for AVF maturation and maintenance.Research Registry number: reviewregistry924.