Physical exercise and peritoneal dialysis: An area yet to be explored

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impairs patients' quality of life, physical capacity, and functional performance, particularly in older adults.
• Physical exercise training demonstrates benefits for CKD and hemodialysis (HD) patients, counteracting inactivity.
• Limited evidence exists on the effects of physical exercise for the growing population of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the impact of physical exercise on PD patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical functioning, and cardiovascular parameters.
• To assess the suitability of exercise-based approaches for PD patients.
• To identify barriers to physical exercise in the PD population and suggest how nephrologists can address them.

Main Methods:

• Literature review including randomized controlled trials, reviews, and meta-analyses.
• Assessment of studies focusing on physical exercise interventions in ESKD patients undergoing PD.
• Analysis of outcomes related to HRQoL, physical functioning, and cardiovascular parameters.

Main Results:

• The current evidence base for physical exercise in PD patients is scarce.
• Further investigation is required to establish the efficacy and safety of exercise interventions for this population.
• Potential benefits include improvements in HRQoL and physical capacity, similar to HD patients.

Conclusions:

• Physical exercise interventions require further investigation in the PD population.
• Addressing barriers and involving nephrologists are crucial for successful implementation.
• Exercise may offer a viable strategy to improve outcomes for PD patients.