Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training in Muscle Force, Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis have complex syndrome with diverse effects on cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, musculoskeletal, immune and endocrine-metabolic systems. With regard to the musculoskeletal structure, there is progressive muscular loss with consequent increase in muscle weakness, limited resistance, exercise intolerance and fatigue, as well as functional and morphological abnormalities characteristic of uremic myopathy. Respiratory muscles are also affected as a result of uremic myopathy, with decreased strength and resistance. Objective: to analyze the impact of respiratory muscle training on muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Method: This is a prospective, randomized study involving 46 patients followed by the dialysis unit of a university hospital, over 18 years old, of both genders who underwent hemodialysis for more than six months and who signed the informed consent form. Patients will be allocated into two groups: respiratory muscle training with PowerBreath and control. All will be evaluated for demographic data, respiratory muscle strength, lung function, functional capacity and quality of life. The intervention group will perform three months of intradialytic training of a physical therapy protocol with PowerBreath. Both groups will be reevaluated after three months.