The effect of belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation during hemodialysis on physical function in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

【Objective】The aim of this study was to examine the effect of belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) during hemodialysis on physical function in frail hemodialysis patients. 【Methods】Eight hemodialysis patients (3 males and 5 females, mean age: 68.5±10.4 years old) were enrolled in this study. We assessed grip strength, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and knee extension muscular strength and conducted the 30-second chair stand test (CS30), 10 m walking test (10 mWT), and the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT). The B-SES intervention lasted for 20 minutes and was performed 3 times a week. 【Results】The subjects’ CS30, BBS, and 10 mWT results and knee extension muscular strength significantly improved and their 6 MWT results slightly improved after B-SES during hemodialysis. 【Conclusion】B-SES during hemodialysis exhibits a low dropout rate and is a feasible way of improving physical function in frail hemodialysis patients.