Effect of Intradialytic Physical ACTIvity in Addition to a NUTritional Support on Protein Energy Wasting and Physical Functioning in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients ("ACTINUT" Study)

Sedentary behavior and protein-energy wasting (PEW) are well known risk factors of adverse outcome and low quality of life in chronic renal failure patients treated by dialysis. Treatment strategies of PEW by different types of nutritional support (as dietary counseling, oral nutritional supplements or intradialytic parenteral nutrition) have limited efficacy. Physical activity has been shown to have numerous positive impacts in pathologic conditions associated to end stage renal disease. Concomitant prescription of physical activity and nutritional support might mutually enhance the anabolic effects of these interventions and improve the rate of remission of PEW. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of a programmed, progressive endurance training performed during the dialysis session on a cycle ergometer under the supervision of a qualified trainer, on protein energy wasting and physical functioning of chronic hemodialysis patients.