Effect of Isometric Hand Grip Exercises Using a Dynamometer on AV Fistula Maturation and Patency in Hemodialysis Patients

Mansoura University

Status: Completed

Conditions: End-Stage Renal Disease; Chronic Kidney Failure; Arteriovenous Fistula

Treatments: Behavioral: Isometric Hand-Grip Exercise Training Using a Hand Dynamometer

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07238855

MS.23.01.2266

Details and patient eligibility

About

Patients with chronic kidney failure who require hemodialysis depend on a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein in the arm, known as an arteriovenous fistula. This connection allows blood to flow at a high enough rate for effective hemodialysis treatment. However, many arteriovenous fistulas do not enlarge or strengthen adequately after surgery, a process known as maturation. When maturation fails, the fistula may not provide enough blood flow, leading to delays in hemodialysis, repeated procedures, or the need for temporary catheters. Improving the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas is therefore essential for patient safety, comfort, and the long-term success of hemodialysis.

Isometric hand-grip exercises, such as repeatedly squeezing a hand-held dynamometer, may help increase blood flow to the arm and stimulate the blood vessels that are part of the fistula. These exercises require the muscles to contract without changing length, which can encourage enlargement of the vein and the development of new small blood vessels in the forearm. Previous research suggests that improving hand-grip strength may support better vein remodeling and improved blood flow, both of which are important for fistula maturation.

This study is designed to evaluate whether performing a structured program of isometric hand-grip exercises using a dynamometer can enhance the maturation and long-term openness (patency) of arteriovenous fistulas in adults receiving hemodialysis. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group that receives routine postoperative care, and an exercise group that performs hand-grip exercises for six weeks. All participants undergo ultrasound imaging of the fistula before starting the study and again after six weeks. The ultrasound measurements include fistula size, vein diameter, blood flow, and blood flow velocity.

The goal of this study is to determine whether a simple, low-cost exercise intervention can help arteriovenous fistulas mature more successfully and reduce the need for additional procedures.

Enrollment: 34 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 75 years
• End-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis
• Patients undergoing hemodialysis through a surgically created arteriovenous fistula
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Failure or refusal to provide written informed consent
• Amputation of the arm or fingers
• Significant osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist
• Severe physical disability preventing exercise performance
• Active infection or ongoing hospitalization
• Known underlying malignancy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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34 participants in 2 patient groups

Control Group - Standard Postoperative Care

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this arm receive the standard postoperative care provided after the creation of an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. They do not perform any structured exercise program. Routine follow-up assessments, including Doppler ultrasound evaluation of fistula diameter, blood flow, and blood flow velocity, are conducted at baseline and after six weeks.

Hand-Grip Exercise Group - Isometric Training With Dynamometer

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm receive standard postoperative care plus a structured isometric hand-grip exercise program using a hand-held dynamometer. The intervention consists of adjusting the dynamometer grip to hand size, positioning the arm at a ninety-degree angle, and performing three maximal-effort squeezes repeated to calculate average grip strength. Exercises are performed regularly for six weeks. Doppler ultrasound measurements of fistula diameter, vein caliber, blood flow, and blood flow velocity are obtained at baseline and after six weeks to evaluate maturation and patency.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Isometric Hand-Grip Exercise Training Using a Hand Dynamometer