Effects of an intradialytic protocol involving electrical stimulation of the upper limb associated with a cycle ergometer in the lower limb on the quality of life of individuals with chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction: Intradialytic exercises have several benefits for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, no studies have used neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the upper limbs (UL) during these exercises to assess quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate the effects of unilateral NMES in the UL superimposed on a voluntary contraction associated with an intradialytic exercise protocol with a lower limb cycle ergometer on the QoL of adults with CKD. Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on adult patients diagnosed with CKD who were undergoing hemodialysis (HD) at a university hospital. The protocol included aerobic exercises with a lower limb cycle ergometer and NMES in UL in the intervention group (IG) and a lower limb cycle ergometer and NMES sham in UL in the control group (CG) for 8 weeks. QoL was assessed via the Kidney Disease and Quality-of-Life Short Form (KDQOL-SFTM) questionnaire. Results: This study included 9 participants who presented low self-reported QoL, with low scores in the physical component (37.78 ± 10.42) and mental component (41.96 ± 14.88) of the KDQOL-SFTM. Furthermore, the intervention did not cause any change in these scores. Conclusion: Patients with CKD on HD have low self-reported QoL, with low scores on the physical and mental components of the KDQOL-SFTM. Unilateral NMES in the UL superimposed on a voluntary contraction associated with a cycle ergometer on the lower limb had no effect on the physical or mental components of quality of life.