Effect of nutritional intervention combined with resistance exercise on clinical indicators of patients with sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of exercise therapy combined with nutritional intervention on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with sarcopenia (SP) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched multiple databases for RCTs published up to November 2024. Inclusion criteria: patients aged ≥18 with end-stage renal disease receiving MHD and diagnosed with SP; experimental group receiving combined exercise and nutrition intervention, and control group receiving either intervention alone; outcome measures including muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.1. RESULTS: ≤ 50% for all outcomes, indicating robust results. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses confirmed the reliability of the findings. CONCLUSION: Combined exercise therapy and nutritional intervention significantly improve muscle strength, mass, and physical function in MHD patients with sarcopenia, offering important clinical benefits.