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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #196624

Title: RESISTANCE EXERCISE IN MAINTENANCE DIALYSIS-FEASIBILITY STUDY

Author
item CHEN, JOLINE - TUFTS-NEMC
item COOMBER, SUSAN - TUFTS/HNRCA
item JABER, BERTRAND - ST ELIZABETRH MEDICAL CTR
item LIANGOS, ORFEAS - ST ELIZABETRH MEDICAL CTR
item LEVEY, ANDREW - TUFTS-NEMC
item CASTANEDA, CARMEN - TUFTS/HNRCA

Submitted to: American Society of Nephrology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2005
Publication Date: 11/1/2005
Citation: Chen, J.L., Coomber, S., Jaber, B.L., Liangos, O., Levey, A.S., Castaneda, C. 2005. Resistance exercise in maintenance dialysis-feasibility study. American Society of Nephrology. 16:P0734.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Resistance exercise has been shown to counteract muscle wasting and inflammation in chronic kidney disease, but its benefits have not been tested in patients with kidney failure treated by maintenance hemodialysis. Prior to beginning a randomized controlled trial, we conducted a feasibility study to develop a resistance exercise protocol that is feasible and safe to conduct during hemodialysis. The resistance exercise protocol included 2 sets of 8 repetitions for 6 different exercises designed to strengthen the main muscle groups of the legs and abdomen. Patients performed the exercises under supervision for 30-45 minutes twice weekly during dialysis with gradual progression of intensity. Intensity was determined by the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), a scale ranging from 1 to 10. Feasibility was assessed from recruitment and retention, ability to perform the exercises, exercise adherence, and interference with the dialysis regimen. Safety concerns and adverse events were documented and analyzed. A data safety monitoring board reviewed the results. Thirteen patients were recruited in four months. On average, 9 weeks were required to complete 12 biweekly sessions of resistance exercise during dialysis. Mean RPE achieved ranged between 4.0-5.2. Mean weight achieved on three of the exercises ranged from 0.48 to 0.92 pounds. Adherence was limited by patients' fatigue, changes in dialysis schedule, and medical issues. There was minimal disruption of the dialysis regimen. Five patients developed adverse events that precluded them from completing the study. These were judged not to be related to the exercise protocol. The resistance exercise protocol is feasible and safe to administer during hemodialysis sessions. Based on the experience gained during this feasibility study, the protocol was modified to increase intensity of exercise and to improve patient accrual for the currently ongoing full-scale randomized controlled trial.