CYCLING EXERCISE DURING HEMODIALYSIS USING A SERIOUS GAME: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Resumo

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a worthwhile impact on public health, with an estimated global prevalence of 11 to 13%. Uremic sarcopenia is a typical consequence in these patients. It can cause physical disability and reduce autonomy and quality of life. Game therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool in rehabilitation, effectively addressing essential elements such as attention, motivation, and repetitiveness. This study aimed to design and evaluate the feasibility of a biomedical system created to encourage cycling exercise during hemodialysis, incorporating a serious game as a key component. Thirteen patients were involved in the study: 8 women and 5 men. The average age was 47.2 (±12.3) years. Time on hemodialysis was 52.6 (±31.1) months. The assessment protocol includes handgrip strength (HGS) by dynamometry, the 5 times sit-to-stand test (5x SST), and the gait speed test (GST). An average of 20 sessions were carried out twice a week, each taking 20 to 25 minutes. Patients showed significant improvements at the end of treatment, especially in HGS (p=0.05) and 5x SST (p=0.03). Preliminary results on the feasibility of the resource through the Likert scale satisfaction index were: 77% very satisfied, 23% satisfied, and no patient indicated dissatisfaction with participation in the sessions during the study. Good results in the measurements of controlled variables and strong patient acceptance show great promise for the rehabilitation of individuals with kidney disease.