Patients receiving regular hemodialysis (HD) treatments are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death as HD can cause a decrease in the pumping of the heart during treatment called 'stunning'. Intradialytic exercise has emerged as a safe and effective non-drug approach to improve cardiovascular health and is now recommended for patients undergoing HD. It is currently advised that HD patients engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise three times per week. This study will evaluate the impact of exercise intensity in the HD population and determine if high impact exercise can offer better protection to the heart against HD-induced myocardial stunning.
This will be the first randomized, cross-controlled trial evaluating the impact of exercise intensity in the HD population. If the efficacy of cardiovascular protection is proven, it could be developed as a therapeutic option in the dialysis population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
Intradialytic exercise has emerged as a safe and effective non-drug therapeutic approach to improve cardiovascular health and is now recommended for people undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Administration of a higher intensity exercise could offer better cardio-protective mechanisms and if the efficacy of cardiovascular protection is proven, it could be developed as a therapeutic option in the dialysis population.
London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada
Change in the number of left ventricular segments undergoing a greater than 20% reduction in longitudinal strain as detected by echocardiogram.
An echocardiogram will be completed pre-hemodialysis (HD) treatment and at peak hemodynamic stress (30 minutes before the end of HD treatment) at each of the study sessions. Images will be captured in the left lateral position and standard apical 4, and 2 chamber views will be recorded for analysis using automated speckle-training software. (EchoPac, GE Healthcare)
Time frame: Week 1 to Week 3
Evaluate potential targets of exercise induced cardio protection by evaluating their effects on endothelial function.
Endothelial function will be assessed by measuring the dilatory response of the brachial artery to increased blood flow generated by reactive hyperemia in the downstream forearm. At each study session participants are placed in the supine position and the brachial artery of the non-dominant arm, or the non-distended arm is scanned in longitudinal section using a 12 MHz linear transducer connected to a Vivid Q echograph (GE, /USA) supplemented by an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Time frame: Week 1 to Week 3
Evaluate whether the increase in exercise intensity leads to a differential modulation of potential cardioprotective mechanisms, by evaluating their effects on hemodynamic responses (Blood Pressure)
Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) will be measured using an automated blood pressure monitor integrated into the dialysis machine. Values will be monitored throughout each study visit.
Time frame: Week 1 to week 3
Evaluate whether the increase in exercise intensity leads to a differential modulation of potential cardioprotective mechanisms, by evaluating their effects on hemodynamic responses (CV Insight Monitoring)
The CV Insight contact device is non-invasive continuous hemodynamic real time monitoring system use to assess cardiovascular and respiratory status using percutaneous photoplethysmography. The device will be attached to the right of the patient's forehead midline., approximately 2.5cm above the level of the nose pre-dialysis and will remain intact until the patient is disconnected from the dialysis machine at each study session. Once attached, baseline recording will be obtained, and hemodynamic data will continuously be captured.
Time frame: Week 1 to Week 3
Evaluate whether the increase in exercise intensity leads to a differential modulation of potential cardioprotective mechanisms, by evaluating their effects on hemodynamic responses (Finapres)
The Finometer utilizes a finger-cuff method to detect beat-to-beat changes in digital arterial diameter using an infrared photoplethysmography. The time averaged data is subsequently downloaded to a computer-based analysis program for analysis. The finger-cuff will be placed on the participant's index finger at each study visit and will remain in place through the entirety of the visit.
Time frame: Week 1 to Week 3
Evaluate whether the increase in exercise intensity leads to a differential modulation of potential cardioprotective mechanisms, focusing on blood markers.
Blood samples will be collected from the participants dialysis access before HD and at peak stress at each study visit for biochemistry, proteomic analysis and translational approach.
Time frame: Week 1 to Week 3
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