2. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU

Objective: The main objective of this investigation was to assess feasibility of conducting a future RCT with an intradialysis non-immersive virtual reality exercise intervention. The secondary aim was to explore the impact of either conventional or VR exercise on physical function. Design: Feasibility randomized trial Participants: 18 subjects who participated in a 16 weeks intradialysis combined exercise program. Interventions: The program lasted 4 additional weeks of either combined exercise or virtual reality exercise. Main outcome measures: Physical function was measured through several reliable tests (sit to stand to sit tests 10 and 60, gait speed, one-leg heel rise tests and 6-minute walk test) at baseline, after 16 weeks of intradialysis combined exercise and by the end of 4 additional weeks of exercise. Adherence to the exercise programs was registered. Results: There was a significant time effect, so that physical function improved in both groups. By the end of the 20 weeks, function improved as measured through the sit to stand to sit test 10 and 60, gait speed, one-leg heel rise left leg and the 6-minute walk test. Changes that did not occur due to error in the test were seen after 20 weeks were achieved in the sit to stand to sit test 60, gait speed, one-leg heel rise test for the left leg and 6-minute walking test. Conclusion: Virtual reality was a feasible intervention. Both interventions improved physical function. Adherence was not significantly different between groups.

Functional tests are commonly used for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, the relative and absolute reliability of such physical performance-outcome assessments must first be determined in specific patient cohorts. The aims of this study were to assess the relative and the absolute reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), One-Legged Stance Test (OLST), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, as well as the minimal detectable change (MDC) scores for these tests in CKD patients receiving HD. Seventy-one end-stage CKD patients receiving HD therapy, aged between 21 and 90 years, participated in the study. The patients completed two testing sessions one to two weeks apart and performed by the same examiner, comprising the following tests: the SPPB (n = 65), OLST (n = 62), and TUG test (n = 66). High intraclass correlation coefficients ( 0.90) were found for all the tests, suggesting that their relative reliability is excellent. The MDC scores for the 90% confidence intervals were as follows: 1.7 points for the SPPB, 11.3 seconds for the OLST, and 2.9 seconds for the TUG test. The reliability of the SPPB, OLST, and TUG test for this sample were all considered to be acceptable. The MDC data generated by these tests can be used to monitor meaningful changes in the functional capacity of the daily living-related activity of CKD patients on HD.