Abstract
The decreased exercise capacity of hemodialysis patients is well known because of their restricted lifestyle and long-term dialysis. Some studies indicate a beneficial effect of exercise training on these patients. We have also been promoting exercise training in hemodialysis patients even during the hemodialysis period. However, the effect of training was limited. We thought that one of the reasons for this limited effect was deficiency of serum and tissue carnitine levels in the hemodialysis patients. Thirteen patients were thus randomized into groups supplied and not supplied with L-carnitine at 300 mg orally every day. In every patient, peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and anaerobic threshold (AT) were estimated by cardiopulmonary exercise test before and after exercise training. Noninvasive cardiac functions were also examined by cardiac ultrasonography. Exercise training was carried out using a bicycle ergometer. After five months of training, exercise capacity showed a statistically significant increase only in the exercise training and L-carnitine-supplied group. Cardiac function was unchanged in both groups during this period. We conclude that the provision of L-carnitine during exercise training may have a beneficial effect through the improved skeletal muscle function of oxygen uptake in hemodialysis patients.
