The effects of regular exercise program on dialysis efficacy, muscle atrophy and physical performance in hemodialysis patients

Patients under hemodialysis have sedentary lifestyle، muscle atrophy and muscle weakness. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise during hemodialysis on the efficacy of dialysis، muscle atrophy and physical performance in patients with chronic renal failure.

In this quasi-experimental study، thirty patients with age mean of 45 years under hemodialysis were divided into control (N=15) and experimental (N=15) groups. Patients in experimental group were particapated in a twenty- week progressing exercise training performed during the first two hours of their hemodialysis on a stationary bicycle، three times a week، for 60 minuntes each time. Eefficacy of dialysis using Clearance time/volume and Urea Reduction Ratio، muscle atrophy by anthropometry skinfold measurements and physical performance، using 2-minute walk test (2MWT)، were assessed before and after training program. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18، t-test and ANCOVA to compare pre and post values within and between groups.

After the exercise، there was a significant increase in the distance walked during the 2MWT from 132. 87 ± 24. 1 m to 165. 27 ± 30. 3 m، and a significant improvement in atrophy from 56. 57 ± 18. 8 to 59. 37 ± 18. 4 cm in exercise group (P<0. 05). No significant differences were observed in efficacy of dialysis after exercise program (P>0. 05).

It seems that regular exercise has a significant impact on physical performance and muscle atrophy in hemodialysis patients and can be used as part of the treatment for hemodialysis patients، but no significant effect has on efficacy of dialysis after exercise program.