2. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU

Intradialytic exercise (ID) programs are effective and safe for hemodialysis (HD) patients to avoid functional deterioration. However, exercise is not routinely undertaken in most HD units, and we do not know if home-based (HB) programs are as effective as ID programs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of ID exercise versus a HB exercise program for HD patients. A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to the ID group (n = 24) or HB group (n = 22). They completed a 16-week combined exercise program 3 times/week. We measured physical activity level, physical functioning, depression level, and health-related quality of life at baseline and after 16 weeks. A significant time effect was found in both groups for the physical activity level (p = 0.012). There was also a significant group–time interaction effect for the one-leg standing test (OLST) (p = 0.049) and a significant time effect for the Short Physical Performance Battery (p = 0.013), timed up-and-go test (p = 0.005), sit-to-stand-10 (p = 0.027), right and left hand handgrip (p = 0.044, p < 0.001), one-heel left leg raise (p = 0.019), and 6-minute walking (p = 0.006), depression (p = 0.017). HRQoL remained unchanged. There was no difference between the two interventions on the tested outcomes (besides OLST). Both interventions were associated with positive changes of the physical activity levels and physical function.

It has been suggested that physical exercise in chronic hemodialysis could improve dialysis dose and reduce postdialysis rebound. A randomized controlled trial was performed to compare a group of patients doing physical exercise during the first 2 h of hemodialysis sessions and another group doing physical exercise at home. The descriptive variables, dialysis doses measured by KtV, and rebounds (urea, creatinine, potassium, phosphorus), were recorded. For 69 patients: the mean KtV was 1.84; the 30-min rebound of creatinine was 32.37%, urea 24.39%, potassium 15.31%, and phosphorus 51.29%. For each patient, the basal measurement was compared with those determined when performing physical exercise; no statistically significant differences were observed between the changes determined to dose and rebound in the group with hemodialysis exercise compared to those of the home exercise group. In conclusion, performing physical exercise during the first 2 hours of hemodialysis sessions neither lowered postdialysis molecules rebound nor improved dialysis dose.

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.