Is aerobic exercise training during hemodialysis a reliable intervention for autonomic dysfunction in individuals with chronic kidney disease? A prospective longitudinal clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction

Physical exercises help in the rehabilitation and recovery of various diseases. Cardiovascular and hypertension problems are the main causes of people being affected by kidney problems, which as a consequence, affects the heart rate variability (HRV) of the individual. Physical activity developed in a well-planned and thorough way can be a component in the treatment of this problem.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise intervention during hemodialysis on autonomic heart rate regulation in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This was a longitudinal trial conducted in 19 CKD patients. The patients underwent three weekly sessions of aerobic exercise during hemodialysis for 30 mins for 12 weeks (three months).

Results

HRV was analyzed before and after the protocol training. Linear indices of HRV were not different between before and after the protocol training. Nonlinear HRV analysis indicated reduced values of determinism (p=0008, Cohen’s d=0.82) and entropy (p=003, Cohen’s d=0.84) after the training protocol.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aerobic exercise training during hemodialysis did not improve autonomic control of heart rate in CKD patients.

Keywords:

• autonomic nervous system
• cardiovascular system
• exercise
• kidney diseases
• renal dialysis

Acknowledgment

We thank the Faculty of Medicine of the ABC of Santo André for having allowed us to develop research that we believe will be of great relevance in the scientific field.

Data availability

The authors intend to share data from identified individual participants. If necessary, the data will be available from the corresponding authors, however always respecting the resolution focused on research with human beings. The data will be available for a period of 5 years from the publication of the manuscript via contact with the corresponding authors.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest associated with the collection, dissemination, or interpretation of this research. The study is presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or data manipulation.