Projects / Programmes
Effects of intradialytic cognitive and physical exercise training on functional status of hemodialysis patients
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.06.00 |
Medical sciences |
Cardiovascular system |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.02 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Clinical medicine |
cognitive functions, hemodialysis, physical activity, intradialytic training, non-pharmacological interventions
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
39161 |
PhD Špela Bogataj |
Cardiovascular system |
Head |
2021 - 2023 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Hemodialysis (HD) patients have lower cognitive functioning and reduced physical fitness compared to age-matched healthy individuals. These patients are less physically active and activate their mental functions to a lesser extent than the general population. Clinicians typically do not recognize the declining cognitive performance in these patients; therefore, cognitive impairment is greatly underestimated and not appropriately treated. Cognitive decline is widespread and progresses at a faster and greater rate than in the general population, so preventive and therapeutic interventions are urgently needed. The primary aim of this research project is to investigate the effect of cognitive training combined with physical exercise on cognitive function, physical performance and frailty indicators in the HD population. Secondly, the project will test the feasibility of using the innovative cognitive platform to apply cognitive training to HD patients. We will conduct a randomized controlled intervention trial to examine the effects of a combined non-pharmacological intervention in the form of intradialytic physical exercise and intradialytic cognitive training on cognitive function, indicators of frailty, and physical performance measures in HD patients. The group of patients receiving the study intervention will be compared to the control group receiving standard HD care. The duration of the intervention will be 12 weeks. We will use sensitive instruments (cognitive domain tests) to assess cognitive functions. The primary outcome of the study at 12 weeks will be performance on the Alertness subtest of the computerized Test of Attentional Performance, which measures one domain of cognitive function, alertness. Secondary study outcomes are: Performance in other domains of cognitive function (executive function, psychomotor speed, information processing efficiency, working memory, attention), physical fitness (10 repetition sit-to-stand test, timed up and go test, handgrip strength test, spontaneous gait speed, Stork balance test), and assessment of frailty (Edmonton Frail Scale). Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and six months after the end of the study without specific further intervention (retention effect assessment). Prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and dementia is one of the most important public health goals. We hypothesize that the experimental group will achieve significant and clinically meaningful improvements in their cognitive and physical functions and reduce their frailty score compared to the control group. If our hypothesis is confirmed, we would be able to offer an innovative, non-pharmacological, bimodal intervention that is cost-effective, safe, and easy to implement during the intradialytic period, with potential impact on patients' important unmet needs and quality of life.
