Comparison of the efficacy of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises for hemodialysis patients: randomized controlled single-blind study.

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate and compare the effects of intradialytic core stabilization and aerobic exercises on physical performance, fatigue, quality of life and dialysis adequacy. The study involved 39 individuals on hemodialysis randomized into two groups: aerobic exercise (AE, <i>n</i> = 20) and core stabilization (CSE, <i>n</i> = 19). Over 8 weeks, the AE group performed pedal ergometer exercises, while the CSE group performed 4-phase core stabilization exercises. Physical performance (five times sit to stand test, 2-min step test), quality of life (Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36; KDQOL-36), fatigue levels (Piper Fatigue Scale), and dialysis adequacy (Kt/V and URR) were assessed. After training, a significant improvement was observed in the physical performance, fatigue levels, and some parameters of KDQOL-36 of the patients (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in dialysis adequacy indicators (Kt/V and URR) (<i>p</i> > 0.05). When the amount of development obtained in both treatment groups is compared, kidney disease burden only in the subparameter of KDQOL-36 was statistically significantly improved in the CSE group compared to the AE group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). According to the results of the study, intradialytic core stabilization exercises appear to have similar effects to aerobic exercises and can be performed by HD patients.