#2786 Effect of intradialytic virtual reality exercise program on lower limb muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims In patients on hemodialysis, muscle weakness is highly prevalent and may lead to frailty, limitation of mobility and functional impairment. Moreover, low muscle strength was associated with an increase in mortality risk in these patients. Despite the fact that some studies showed that resistance training improves muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis, the effects of virtual reality (VR) exercise should be confirmed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intradialytic non-immersive VR exercise program, performed at different times during the hemodialysis session, on lower limb muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis. Method A randomized clinical trial was conducted with patients aged ≥18 years who were undergoing hemodialysis treatment for at least 3 months. Patients were randomized into 2 protocols of exercise at different times during the hemodialysis session (first 2 hours and last two hours) for 3 months. The intradialytic exercise program in both groups consisted of a non-immersive VR game (Treasure Hunting) in which the patients try to catch treasures and avoid bombs by moving their lower limbs (hip flexion, abduction and adduction, and knee flexion and extension), with a progressive duration of 6 to 36 minutes. The difficulty level of the game was graduated according to the characteristics of each patient. The muscle strength of the hip flexion (HF), hip abduction (HA) and ankle extension (AE) was evaluated using a portable handheld dynamometer during hemodialysis session. Patients were advised to perform a 5 s maximum isometric contraction, and the peak values were recorded for 3 repetitions in both lower limbs. The mean muscle strength of 3 trials was recorded. Data were expressed as the median (interquartile range). The Mann‒Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons. The Friedman test was conducted to evaluate the differences in medians among the muscle strength data at baseline, after 1, 2 and 3 months of exercise program. Results This study included 11 patients in the exercise within the first 2 hours group [50 (55-75) years, 55% male] and 11 patients in the exercise within the last 2 hours group [64 (58-72) years, 64% male]. Table 1 shows that muscle strength of the HA and AE increased significantly in the exercise within the first 2 hours group. Muscle strength of HF, HA and AE improved significantly in the exercise within the last 2 hours group. There were no significant differences between two groups. Conclusion This study suggests that an intradialytic non-immersive VR exercise program can improve lower limb muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis.