Respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity of individuals with chronic kidney failure

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide, it is categorized into five stages, stage V is considered chronic kidney failure (CKF), and hemodialysis (HD) is indicated as a form of treatment. Recent studies have shown that individuals with CKF who undergo HD have respiratory muscle dysfunction, reduced functional capacity, and low tolerance to physical exercise. <b>Aim:</b> To assess respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity of individuals with CKF and compare them to healthy ones. <b>Methods:</b> Forty participants aged between 30 and 70 years old were evaluated, of which 20 with CKF who are undergoing HD treatment for at least three months, three times a week (CKF Group), and 20 participants, without any diagnosed disease or comorbidity (Healthy Group). The assessment of respiratory muscle strength was performed by measures of maximum inspiratory pressures and maximum expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP); evaluation of functional capacity was assessed through the 6-minute step test (6’ST) and assessment of lower limb strength, through a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). <b>Results:</b> There was lower values for CKF group to MIP (84.50 ± 17.59 versus 101 ± 14.10 cmH2O; p =0.004) and MEP (85.00 ± 26.26 versus 108.50 ± 18.72 cmH2O; p = 0.002), number of steps (126.60 ± 25.66 versus 152.10 ± 30.06; p = 0.01), rhythm of climbing the step (21.10 ± 4.28 versus 25.35 ± 5.01 /min; p = 0.01), and right lower limb strength (22.70 ± 9.42 versus 32.90 ± 10.71 kgf; p = 0.03) and on the left (21.35 ± 9, 88 versus 30.97 ± 9.54; kgf p = 0.02). <b>Conclusion:</b> Individuals with CKF have reduced respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity when compared to healthy individuals.