Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Exercise Training in Hemodialysis Patients

Both strength training and endurance exercise training are commonly prescribed to improve strength and function in patients with physical limitations caused by chronic disease or disability including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Individuals with CKD often have low physical function due to progressive declines in the performance of their kidneys. The low physical function leads to physical inactivity, which exacerbates these functional declines and promotes cardiovascular disease and bone disorders. In addition, severe functional limitations in some patients prevent them from exercising at a great enough intensity to provide significant benefits. As a result, alternative strategies are needed to maximize the benefits of exercise while decreasing injury risk. A new form of exercise, functional electrical stimulation (FES)-enhanced cycling has been shown to increase muscle size and strength in patients with severe disabilities, particularly spinal cord injury (SCI). It is based on the application of electrical stimulation to the nerves that innervate the paralyzed weak muscles in order to generate muscle contraction. FES has been used to stimulate leg muscles to pedal a cycle or to enable partial weight-supported walking as an activity based rehabilitation therapy. FES cycling involves exercising using a motor-assisted cycle coupled with electrical stimulation to up to five muscles in the leg. There are well-documented benefits of FES-induced exercise in SCI patients including clinically significant increases in muscle mass, blood flow, bone density, and bowel and bladder function. A few pilot studies have also demonstrated that FES therapy has the potential to improve function in other disabled populations, including chronic heart failure and stroke patients. However, its effects in other populations with significant physical impairments, including CKD patients, have yet to be established. The objective of the proposed research is to evaluate the effects of FES-cycling training on measures related to physical function, quality of life (QOL), heart disease, and bone health in patients with renal failure receiving dialysis therapy.