ABSTRACT
Background: Exercise training during the dialytical procedure may have positive cardiovascular effects and prevent or revert muscle wasting in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Aim: To evaluate the effects of an exercise training program in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients on chronic hemodialysis aged 21 to 69 years (three females) were included in the study. Nine of these were included in an exercise training program. During 16 weeks, exercise sessions were carried out during each dialytical procedure that included a warm-up period, aerobic exercises done using standing cycles, and resistance exercises, performed using Thera-Band® elastic bands and loops. Borg scale was used to control the intensity of training. At baseline and at the end of the study, a blood sample prior and after the dialytical procedure was obtained to measure C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Quadriceps muscle strength, six minutes´ walk and quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire, were also measured. Results: Four experimental subjects did not complete the study period, two that withdrew before starting, one due to problems with the venous access and one that decided to withdraw after 1 month of training. Among the five patients that finished the training period, significant improvements in the six minutes´ walk and quadriceps strength were observed in the experimental group. No significant changes were observed among controls. No changes were observed in either group in C reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6 levels or quality of life. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis exercise training improves endurance and muscle strength.