Comparison of the efficacy of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises for hemodialysis patients: randomized controlled single-blind study

Abstract

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate and compare the effects of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises on physical performance, fatigue, quality of life and dialysis adequacy.

Materials and methods

The study involved 39 individuals on hemodialysis randomized into two groups: aerobic exercise (AE, n = 20) and core stabilization (CSE, n = 19). Over 8 weeks, the AE group performed pedal ergometer exercises, while the CSE group performed 4-phase core stabilization exercises. Physical performance (five times sit to stand test, 2-min step test), quality of life (Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36; KDQOL-36), fatigue levels (Piper Fatigue Scale), and dialysis adequacy (Kt/V and URR) were assessed.

Results

After training, a significant improvement was observed in the physical performance, fatigue levels, and some parameters of KDQOL-36 of the patients (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in dialysis adequacy indicators (Kt/V and URR) (p > 0.05). When the amount of development obtained in both treatment groups is compared, kidney disease burden only in the subparameter of KDQOL-36 was statistically significantly improved in the CSE group compared to the AE group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

According to the results of the study, intradialytic core stabilization exercises appear to have similar effects to aerobic exercises and can be performed by HD patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Core stabilization exercises and aerobic exercises performed during dialysis are well tolerated by hemodialysis patients.

• Over eight weeks, intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises are effective in improving physical performance, fatigue level, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

• In hemodialysis patients, eight weeks of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises are not sufficient to improve dialysis adequacy.

• It is recommended to include intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises in the rehabilitation of hemodialysis patients.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Aerobic exercise
• core stabilization exercise
• dialysis adequacy
• hemodialysis
• ıntradialytic exercise

Clinical Trials number:

• NCT05534542

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.