Intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation with optional virtual reality distraction improves not only muscle strength and functional capacity but also serum albumin level in haemodialysis patients: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

Background: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients and linked to a poor prognosis regarding comorbidities and premature mortality. Previous studies assessed the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in haemodialysis patients. This study adds to the relevance of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applications combined with a virtual reality (VR) distraction to increase intensity, dosage, and efficiency of NMES and slow sarcopenia progression in HD patients.

Cardiovascular Mortality Can Be Predicted by Heart Rate Turbulence in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Excess mortality in hemodialysis patients is mostly of cardiovascular origin. We examined the association of heart rate turbulence (HRT), a marker of baroreflex sensitivity, with cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: A population of 290 prevalent hemodialysis patients was followed up for a median of 3 years.

Cognitive Impairment is Associated with Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients is notably high. In previous studises performed in the general population, cognitive impairment has been associated with increased mortality.

Objective: We evaluated the relationship between global cognitive function tested by a short screening instrument and mortality in hemodialysis patients.