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The following is a summary of “Analysis of changes in PCSK9 and TNF-α concentrations in response to physical exercises using virtual reality in patients in the fifth stage of chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis,” published in the January 2025 issue of Nephrology by Turoń-Skrzypińska et al.
Reduced physical activity in stage 5 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing concern. Integrating virtual reality (VR)-based exercise during hemodialysis can enhance patient motivation and physical engagement.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of regular physical activity using VR on plasma PCSK9 protein and TNF-α concentrations in stage 5 patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis.
They used the NefroVR system prototype in the study, where patients were tasked with conducting training using the system.
The results showed a significant decrease in PCSK9 and TNF-α concentrations after 3 months of VR exercises in patients with hemodialysis. About 102 patients (65 men, 37 women) were qualified, with 85 patients (58 men, 27 women) completing the study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: the study group (29 men, 10 women) and the control group (29 men, 17 women).
Investigators found that VR based exercise improved inflammatory parameters and may have enhanced lipid homeostasis in patients under hemodialysis.
Source: bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-024-03917-z
