Key result
Three months of physical exercise using virtual reality during hemodialysis significantly reduced plasma concentrations of PCSK9 and TNF-α compared to the control group.
Why the study?
Reduced physical activity is a growing concern in stage 5 CKD, and virtual reality exercise during hemodialysis may increase motivation to exercise.
Does physical exercise using virtual reality reduce plasma PCSK9 and TNF-α concentrations in patients with stage 5 CKD undergoing hemodialysis?
RCT (n=85)
Randomly assigned
No
Does physical exercise using virtual reality reduce plasma PCSK9 and TNF-α concentrations in patients with stage 5 CKD undergoing hemodialysis?
Absolute Event Rate: 8.71% vs 13.29%
p-value: p=0.002
Regular physical exercise using virtual reality during hemodialysis significantly reduces plasma PCSK9 and TNF-α concentrations, suggesting potential benefits for lipid homeostasis and inflammation.
VR-assisted intradialytic exercise was associated with lower PCSK9 and TNF-α; leaves open effects on clinical outcomes in stage 5 CKD.
BACKGROUND: The problem of reduced physical activity in patients with stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is becoming more and more interesting in the medical community. One of the innovative solutions that can significantly increase patients' motivation to exercise is the integration of physical training with virtual reality (VR) technology during hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the impact of regular physical activity using virtual reality on the concentration of plasma PCSK9 protein and TNF-α in patients with stage 5 CKD treated with hemodialysis. METHODS: A prototype of the NefroVR system was used in the research project. The study group consisted of patients who were entrusted with the task of conducting training using the prototype of the NefroVR system. RESULTS: In the conducted research, a significant decrease in PCSK9 protein and TNF-α concentration was observed in the study group after 3 months of exercises using virtual reality in hemodialysis patients. CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity using innovative physiotherapy methods, such as virtual reality, contributes to the improvement of inflammatory parameters and may improve lipid homeostasis. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.
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Turoń-Skrzypińska et al. (2025) conducted an RCT in Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (n=85). Physical exercises using virtual reality (NefroVR system) vs. Standard hemodialysis without virtual reality exercise was evaluated on Plasma PCSK9 concentration at 3 months (Ng/ml) (p=0.002). Three months of physical exercise using virtual reality during hemodialysis significantly reduced plasma concentrations of PCSK9 and TNF-α compared to the control group.
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