The effect of exercising with manual compression foot pumps, on dialysis efficiency, in patients with end stage renal disease

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to establish if exercising with manual compressionfoot-pumps, could be used as an intervention to improve dialysis efficacy. A pre test -post test design was used to test the intervention. Subjects were invited to participate in the study depending on whether they fitted the eligibility criteria of the study. Eight weeks after entry into the study pre-test values of dialysis efficacy (Kt/V ) were established prior to the implementation of an eight-week exercise programme followed by the collection of post intervention dialysis efficacy values. Subjects performed seated heel raises with manual compression foot-pumps on their feet (Venous A nti-stasis Slippers) for 20 continuous minutes per hour for the first three hours of their dialysis sessions (two or three times per week). Twelve subjects finished the programme. During the eight weeks of exercise an increaseof 8.7% was noted in Kt/V values with a mean change of 0.12 (p=0.04). It appears that an eight week exercise programme using manual compression foot pumps (Venous A nti-stasis Slippers) may be effective in improving dialysisefficiency. These findings need to be tested in a study with an appropriate sample size.

The effects of intradialytic exercise on hemodialysis adequacy: A systematic review

“…Seven of the 13 studies that reported spKt/V urea showed no statistical significance and small effect sizes for intradialytic exercise . Six of the 13 studies that reported spKt/V urea favored intradialytic exercise showing statistical significance and/or a large effect size. Only three studies reported eKt/V urea , all of which showed intradialytic exercise to have no effect.…”

“…A total of 15 studies were included in the review (Figure ; Table ). Eight studies investigated the effects of an acute bout of exercise on dialysis adequacy, whilst seven studies performed a chronic intradialytic intervention . Seven of the acute studies utilized a within‐subject crossover design, with six of the seven randomizing the treatment order.…”

“…One acute study implemented a randomized controlled design . Four of the intervention studies performed a randomized controlled trial, one study utilized a within subject crossover design, and two studies observed pre and post changes in an intervention group without a control comparison arm (1 group intervention) ).…”

“…Participants included both males and females with ages ranging from 18 years to 76 years . Hemodialysis vintage ranged from 16 months to 58 months . The majority of patients dialyzed 3 times per week for 3‐4 hours.…”

“…Most exercise interventions were prescribed during the first 2 hours of hemodialysis. Four studies allowed exercise into the third hour of dialysis . One study specifically prescribed exercise in the last half of dialysis …”