The effects of physical exercise on patients undergoing hemodialysis: a systematic review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic kidney disease submitted to hemodialysis are sedentary due to pain, muscle fatigue and poor physical condition. Recent studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of physical exercise programs to these patients during hemodialysis resulting in better control of hypertension, functional capacity, cardiac function, muscle strength and thus quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To analyze research works that show whether or not exercise produces beneficial clinical outcomes in individuals on hemodialysis. METHODOLOGY: This article is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published between 2014 and 2019 that related hemodialysis, exercise and quality of life and had a PEDro score > 5. Studies that were not in conformity with the proposed theme, duplicate articles among the databases and research intentions were excluded. The keywords used for the search followed the description of DECS and MESH terms: Hemodialysis, exercise and quality of life. These words were found in any section of the article. RESULTS: 15 studies were selected according to the eligibility criteria. The articles analyzed had a total of 1057 participants of both sexes aged between 18 and 80 years. They were submitted to aerobic, anaerobic and respiratory exercises, and presented beneficial clinical outcomes in the three modalities of physical exercise. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise programs during hemodialysis optimize mass gain, strength and muscle endurance, physical fitness, quality of sleep, self-perception of health, functional capacity and consequently quality of life.