The Impact of Functional Bars and Adapted Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a public health problem because it is characterized by several comorbidities, including uremic sarcopenia (US), and a poor quality of life. Currently, there are no standardized treatments available to counteract the onset of US but only some possible therapeutic approaches to slow its progression. The aim of this pilot study is to collect descriptive data in order to design a clinical trial based on the power analysis and simple size. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the possible beneficial action induced by the functional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bars in combination with the adapted physical activity (APA), on the onset and progression of US and other related-CKD comorbidities. We enrolled 21 CKD patients under conservative therapy, divided into four groups: (A) the physical exercise program (PEP), three times a week, in combination with the daily consumption of the two functional bars group; (B) the PEP group; (C) the daily consumption of the two functional bars group; (D) the control group. The duration of the study protocol was 12 weeks. We observed an improvement trend of body composition, blood pressure levels, lipid metabolism, and functional test in A and B groups. These preliminary data would seem to confirm the effectiveness of APA and to demonstrate the additive role of the natural bioactive compound's assumption in countering US and other CKD comorbidities.

Keywords: adapted physical activity; chronic kidney disease; natural bioactive compounds; polyphenols; uremic sarcopenia.

Figure 1

Laboratory parameters, tests, and questionnaires performed at the various times of the study. Abbreviations: BIA, bioelectrical impedance analysis; CRP, C-reactive protein; ECG, electrocardiogram; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; FORD, free oxygen radical defense; FORT, free oxygen radicals test; HDL, high-density lipoproteins; HGS-test, handgrip strength-test; LDL, low-density lipoproteins; PREDIMED, prevención con dieta Mediterránea; QRFT, quadriceps rectus femoris thickness; QRFT, quadriceps vastus intermedius thickness; SF-36, short form-36; SCPT, stair climb power test; SMWT, six-minutes walking test; SPPB, short physical performance battery.

Figure 2

Results of the SPPB (A) and SMWT (B) tests in the various groups. Abbreviations: pt, points; SPPB, short physical performance battery; SMWT, six-minute walking test.