Benefits of Intradialytic Physiotherapy in Chronic Kidney Patients: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) ischaracterized by a renal dysfunction in which it occurs slowly, progressively and irreversibly. It has an increasing incidence and prevalence, being considered an important public health problem, since both the disease and the treatment have a great impact on the entire life context of the affected person. Hemodialysis (HD) replaces kidney function, reverses uremic symptoms and preserves the lives of patients with CKD, but disease progression still leads to the development of uremic myopathy, which is characterized by muscle loss and reduced physical capacity. This condition affects not only the locomotor muscles, but also the respiratory muscles, also compromising the patient's quality of life. Objective: The aim of this work was to investigate studies in the literature that address physiotherapeutic intervention in systemic alterations caused in chronic renal patients, so that the analysis can serve as a parameter to guide, in the future, better physiotherapy approaches during the HD process. Methods: This is an integrative review carried out from the Scielo, PubMed and Lilacs databases, of articles published between 2019 and 2023, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results: Exercise interventions in CKD prove to be an important therapeutic tool that has favorable effects on the patient's health and quality of life. Conclusion: It is possible to state that physical exercise enhances preventive action and also delays the disorders resulting from kidney disease, being used to combat sedentary lifestyle and, thus, improve the muscle strength of patients with CKD and respiratory function during hemodialysis, expanding the field of action for physiotherapy.