Physical exercise in patients with Dialysis

Ejercicio físico en pacientes con Diálisis

Chronic kidney disease is a pathology that may require renal replacement therapy (such as dialysis) for its treatment, which, added to the symptoms, deteriorates the physical function of the subjects. Physical exercise as an intervention modality of the physiotherapist, has been shown to be effective in improving the functionality and quality of life of patients. Knowing their benefits in these patients can have a positive impact on the patient's health and long-term treatment costs. Objective: To carry out a meta-analysis on the effects of physical exercise in the functional rehabilitation of dialysis patients. Materials and Methods: Randomized clinical trials were included that applied protocols of physical exercise (flexibility, resistance and strength) to improve physical, physiological and functional variables. Results: Twenty clinical trials were analyzed under the criteria of the PEDro Scale, with a score ≥5 rated as having high methodological quality and low risk of bias. Eight systematic reviews / meta-analyzes were analyzed under PRISMA-equity guidelines. Conclusions: To apply protocols of physical exercise, has clinically relevant positive effects on the general physical function and quality of life of these patients, but there is still no consensus regarding its application in dialysis patients in the Colombian context.