The utility of whole body vibration exercise in haemodialysis patients: a pilot study

Doyle, A., Chalmers, K., Chinn, D. J., McNeill, F., Dall, N. and Grant, C. H. (2017) The utility of whole body vibration exercise in haemodialysis patients: a pilot study. Clinical Kidney Journal, 10(6), pp. 822-829. (doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfx046) (PMID:29225812) (PMCID:PMC5716154)

Abstract

Background: Exercise improves physical capacity in patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis (HD), but few patients engage in it. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) is a novel protocol that has been shown to benefit frail elderly patients’ rehabilitation. We assessed the utility of WBVE before HD sessions and tested methods to inform the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods: Physical condition and quality of life were assessed at enrolment and repeated 2 weeks later in a pilot study of 49 patients undergoing regular HD. All patients then undertook 8 weeks of WBVE, thrice weekly for 3 min, after which the assessments were repeated and results compared (paired t-tests). Further assessments were made after a 4-week layoff. Patients completed a post-study questionnaire about their experiences of using WBVE. The reproducibility of WBVE and effects on measures of functionality, muscle strength, indirect exercise capacity, nutritional status, bone health and quality of life were recorded to undertake a power calculation for an RCT. Results: Of 49 patients enrolled, 25 completed all assessments. The dropout rate was high at 49%, but overall, WBVE was an acceptable form of exercise. Functionality as assessed by the 60-s sit-to-stand test (STS-60) improved significantly by 11% (P = 0.002). Some quality of life domains also improved significantly. All improvements were maintained 4 weeks after discontinuing WBVE. Conclusions: WBVE was acceptable, safe, easily incorporated into the routine of HD and was associated with useful improvements in physical function sufficient to justify a RCT.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The study was funded by the NHS Fife Research and Development office, with a further contribution from the Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital to purchase equipment.
• Keywords: Exercise, quality of life, haemodialysis, chronic renal failure, physical activity, vibration exercise.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Grant, Dr Christopher
• Authors: Doyle, A., Chalmers, K., Chinn, D. J., McNeill, F., Dall, N., and Grant, C. H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Clinical Kidney Journal
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 2048-8505
• ISSN (Online): 2048-8513
• Published Online: 27 June 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Clinical Kidney Journal 10(6): 822-829
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License