Increasing forearm vessel diameter before arteriovenous fistula creation for patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Background/Aims: To prevent failure in the formation of arteriovenous fistulas, performing exercises for the forearm is beneficial for the maturation of blood vessels, but it has not yet been performed in association with a partial restriction of blood flow. This protocol will analyse the effectiveness of physical exercise with a partial restriction of blood flow on the diameter of the cephalic vein in patients with chronic kidney disease before an arteriovenous fistula is created. Methods: A total of 40 patients with chronic kidney disease with an indication for arteriovenous fistulas formation will conduct an 8-week training programme. They will be allocated to an experimental group where they will perform exercises (isometric and isotonic concentric) to the muscles of the non-dominant forearm with partial restriction of blood flow. The control group will perform the same exercises but without any restriction of blood flow. The protocols will be performed for 5 days a week (2 days in ambulatory physical therapy and 3 days at home). Conclusion: It is expected to note the increase in the diameter of the vessels studied after physical training combined with partial restriction of blood flow to patients with chronic kidney disease.