Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Muscle Mass and Function in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are susceptible to muscle wasting and decreased muscle function, resulting in shorter survival time. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on muscle mass and function in patients on MHD. This single blind controlled study was conducted on patients on MHD from September 2018 to December 2019. Eighteen patients were enrolled in the rESWT and control groups. rESWT was performed once a week for 12 wk in both quadriceps femoris muscles of the ESWT group. Finally, 15 patients were assessed for body composition, handgrip strength, physical performance and blood chemistry before rESWT, after rESWT and at a 12-wk follow-up. Leg lean mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index increased significantly in the ESWT group compared with the control group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017). The timed up-and-go test and sit-to-stand tests revealed greater significant improvement in the ESWT group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.046). This study is the first to report that rESWT can improve muscle mass and function in MHD patients. A subsequent study will be conducted to validate the clinical effects of rESWT in a larger sample of patients undergoing MHD.