Resistance and Cardiovascular Exercise for Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: a Randomized Pilot Study for a Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) are physically inactive, resulting in poor physical function and reduced quality of life. Combined resistance and cardiovascular exercise programs have been shown to be successful in hemodialysis patients but studies are limited in PD patients. The primary objectives of this pilot trial was to test the study feasibility of a combined resistance and cardiovascular exercise program (recruitment and retention rates) and report adherence and adverse events. Secondary objectives were to calculate the sample size for detecting differences in the 30 second sit to stand test (STS30) and measure the effect on physical function and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods: The 3-month parallel two-arm pilot trial took place in California, USA. All participants were peritoneal dialysis patients in a single center who met inclusion criteria were invited into a randomized controlled trial. Recruitment was through face to face invitation following eligibility requirements. The intervention (I) group received monthly exercise physiologist consultations, exercise prescription (resistance and aerobic exercise program using exercise bands) and weekly phone calls over 12 weeks. Control (C) group received normal care. Feasibility outcomes were exercise adherence rates and adverse events. Secondary physical function measures were change in I compared to the C group in STS30, pinch strength test (PST) and the 8 foot timed up and go test (8TUG). PROMs were measured using the London Evaluation of Illness (LEVIL) instrument. Data collection was not blinded but statistical analysis was blinded.