Nordic Walking May Improve Mobility in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients, Study Finds
Japan: A recent randomized controlled trial published in Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis has explored the potential benefits of Nordic walking in improving mobility among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, offering promising insights for a population often limited by reduced physical function.
The study, led by Rena Sumura Sonoda from the Department of Nephrology at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, focused on individuals receiving peritoneal dialysis who were also affected by sarcopenia and/or musculoskeletal pain. These patients frequently experience decreased exercise capacity, making it essential to identify safe and effective physical activity interventions tailored to their needs.
Nordic walking, a form of exercise that involves the use of poles to engage both the upper and lower body, has been shown to enhance endurance and reduce joint strain in individuals with chronic conditions. However, its role in patients on peritoneal dialysis remains poorly established.
For this purpose, the researchers conducted a randomized trial involving 24 participants, who were assigned to either a Nordic walking intervention group or a usual care group. The intervention required participants to perform Nordic walking for 20 to 30 minutes per session, at least three times per week, over 12 weeks. The primary outcome assessed was the change in six-minute walking distance (6MWD), a widely used measure of functional exercise capacity.
The trial revealed the following findings:
- The mean age of participants at baseline was approximately 74 years.
- The average six-minute walking distance at baseline was around 391 meters.
- Adherence to the Nordic walking program was high, with a compliance rate of 96%.
- The intervention was found to be feasible and well accepted among participants.
- Patients in the Nordic walking group showed greater improvement in walking distance compared to usual care.
- The increase in six-minute walking distance was about 33 meters in the intervention group versus around 5 meters in the control group.
- The difference approached statistical significance, indicating a positive trend toward improved mobility.
These results highlight the potential of Nordic walking as a practical and low-cost strategy to enhance physical function in peritoneal dialysis patients, particularly those dealing with muscle loss or pain-related limitations. Improved walking ability may translate into better overall quality of life and greater independence in daily activities.
Although the study was limited by its small sample size, the high adherence rate and positive trend in outcomes support further investigation in larger trials. The authors suggest that incorporating structured exercise programs such as Nordic walking could play an important role in the comprehensive care of patients on peritoneal dialysis.
"Nordic walking appears to be a feasible and potentially effective intervention for improving walking capacity in this vulnerable group, warranting broader exploration in clinical practice," the authors concluded.
Reference:
Sonoda, R. S., Uchiyama, K., Inaba, Y., Kasahara, C., Sato, T., Kaihara, A., Yamada, S., Urate, S., Yanagi, M., Kinugasa, S., Tanaka, K., Kunoki, J., & Ishibashi, Y. Efficacy of Nordic Walking in Improving Walking Ability in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis. https://doi.org/10.1002/1744-9987.70141
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