A multicomponent exercise program improves functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intradialytic multicomponent exercise program (IMEP) on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacities, and inflammatory markers in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial in which 38 people with CKD were randomly allocated to training (TG; n = 19) or a control group (CG; n = 19). The TG performed 12 weeks of IMEP which consisted of aerobic training (AT), inspiratory muscle training (IMT), and resistance training (RT), three times a week on nonconsecutive days. Before and after 12 weeks of follow-up respiratory muscle strength, functional capacities, and inflammatory markers were measured. Post-pre-values were calculated and covariance analysis was used with the Bonferroni post hoc test using preintervention values as a covariate and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Adherence to the protocol was 92%. TG showed improvements in the 30-s sit-to-stand test (p < 0.001), Timed Up and Go (TUG) (p = 0.02), 6-min walk test (p < 0.001), right and left-hand grip strength (p < 0.001), and respiratory muscle strength maximal inspiratory (p = 0.02) and expiratory (p = 0.02) pressures compared to CG. There were no significant group differences for inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of IMEP resulted in improved functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in people with CKD.