Efficacy of Nordic Walking in Improving Walking Ability in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Nordic walking (NW) is a four-point walking style that may improve exercise tolerance in chronic diseases, but its effects in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remain unclear.

METHODS

PD patients with sarcopenia and/or musculoskeletal pain were randomly assigned to NW or usual care. The intervention consisted of NW for 20-30 min/day, at least three times per week for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in 6-min walking distance (6MWD).

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were enrolled (13 in the intervention group, 11 in the usual care group; age 74.0 ± 6.8 years; 6MWD 391.0 ± 58.1 m). Instructional compliance was 96% in the intervention group. The change in 6MWD was greater in the intervention group than in usual care (33.1 ± 33.5 vs. 4.9 ± 32.9 m), reaching borderline significance (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NW may be associated with improved walking ability in PD patients with sarcopenia or musculoskeletal pain, with a high adherence rate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR no.: UMIN 000052466.