Effect of local physical training on the forearm arteries and veins in patients with end-stage renal disease.
OBJECTIVE
We investigate the effects of local training on the forearm vessels in patients with end-stage renal disease.


METHODS
Fourteen hemodialysis patients were included. Handgrip training was performed for 8 weeks. The following parameters were measured at the beginning of the study and 4 and 8 weeks later: forearm circumference, maximal handgrip strength, and artery and vein parameters, including endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilatation (using ultrasound and duplex Doppler scanning).


RESULTS
The maximal handgrip strength increased significantly. The radial artery diameters were significantly higher after 8 weeks of training. The endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was found to be significantly increased after 4 and 8 weeks of training. The maximal vein diameters increased significantly with training, with preserved distensibility.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests that regular handgrip training increases the diameters of forearm vessels. It also improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. These changes point to the possible beneficial effects of daily handgrip training in chronic renal failure patients before arteriovenous fistula construction.
Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia. rina.rus@guest.arnes.si
Rina R
RR
Rus
Rafael
R
Ponikvar
Rajko B
RB
Kenda
Jadranka
J
Buturović-Ponikvar
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014664:Vasodilation; D014680:Veins / Q000503:physiopathology*