Safety and efficacy of belt-type electrical stimulation for preventing disuse syndrome in elderly hemodialysis patients: a pilot study
BackgroundElderly hemodialysis (HD) patients frequently experience reduced physical activity due to treatment-related immobility and fatigue, leading to accelerated functional decline. While exercise therapy is beneficial, adherence remains challenging among frail elderly patients. Belt-type electri...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1559077/full |
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| Summary: | BackgroundElderly hemodialysis (HD) patients frequently experience reduced physical activity due to treatment-related immobility and fatigue, leading to accelerated functional decline. While exercise therapy is beneficial, adherence remains challenging among frail elderly patients. Belt-type electrical stimulation (B-SES) presents a potential alternative, though evidence for its safety and efficacy in this population is limited.MethodsIn this 12-week prospective intervention study, eight frail maintenance HD patients (mean age 75.5 ± 0.9 years) received B-SES therapy during HD sessions. Outcomes were assessed through physical function measures, biochemical markers, quality of life indices, and body composition analysis using multiple imaging modalities (BIA, CT, 1H-MRS).ResultsFive participants completed the intervention, with three withdrawals unrelated to the treatment. Physical function measures showed a trend toward improvement without elevation in inflammatory markers. While BIA showed no significant changes in muscle mass, CT analysis revealed increased thigh muscle cross-sectional area, and 1H-MRS indicated improvements in intramuscular fat composition. A significant correlation emerged between reduced intramyocellular lipids and improved physical performance measures (p < 0.05).ConclusionB-SES demonstrated safety and potential efficacy in improving physical function and muscle quality among frail elderly HD patients. From a public health perspective, B-SES may serve as a feasible and accessible intervention for this population, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, further studies are needed to determine its cost-effectiveness in comparison with conventional exercise therapy. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-6861 |