Effect of intradialytic weight resistance training exercise in sarcopenic hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Sarcopenia has a high prevalence in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, there is limited evidence of resistance exercise in these patients.Objective: The study investigated the effects of resistance exercise on muscle mass, strength, and physical functioning.Method: Fifty-three patients were randomly assigned to resistance training exercise (n = 26) and standard exercise (n = 27) groups. All of the patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria.Results: After 12 weeks, an improvement in leg muscle strength was significantly greater in the resistant exercise group compared with standard exercise (12.19 vs. 2.83 kg, p < 0.001). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass had a mean difference (1.01 vs. 1.02 kg/m(2), p = 0.96). Physical performance status had a mean difference (-2.3 vs. -18 s, p = 0.42). There were no serious adverse events.Conclusion: Over a 12-week follow-up, resistance exercise improved muscle strength in sarcopenic ESKD patients. Muscle mass and physical performance showed no significant change, but there is still a trend demonstrating to improve.

Automated summary

Resistance exercise improved muscle strength in sarcopenic ESKD patients after 12-week intervention, with no significant changes in muscle mass and physical performance but a trend towards improvement.