Physical and psychological response to exercise training in chronic kidney disease patients: A quasi-randomized controlled trial

Chronic kidney disease is an important public and medical problem, as it is associated with high risks of complications which lead to a reduction in physical capacity, psychological status, and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a 10-week exercise program, containing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training on physical capacity, psychological status, and quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients (CKD). This quasi-experimental study was applied for chronic kidney disease patients. Physical capacity, psychological status, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 10-weeks of aerobic training (cycle ergometer), it was performed three times per week for 10 weeks on alternate days with hemodialysis sessions. Thirty-two CKD patients (16 aerobic group) and (16 control group) with demographic data (age, p=0.313, sex, p=0.288, body mass index, p=0.825, CKD duration, p=0.689, and education levels, p.0.05) were evaluated pre and post 10 weeks of aerobic exercise training sessions; there was a significant improvement in the outcome measures of the aerobic group in (6-MWT, p=0.024, TUG-s, p=0.001, QOL-mental health, p=0.002, QOL-role functioning/emotional, p=0.012, HAM-DRS, p<0.001, and HAM-ARS, p<0.001), while, no significant changes were detected in the control group. It was concluded that low-intensity aerobic exercise program has positive effects on the physical capacity, Psychological status and, life quality of patients with chronic kidney disease.