Pilates improves the quality of life in people with chronic kidney disease

A study suggests that Pilates can improve the quality of life of people who suffer from chronic kidney disease. The study, which was published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, looked at the effect of Pilates exercises on the quality of life of people with chronic kidney disease.

• Chronic kidney disease leads to irreversible kidney damages that threaten the health of the affected individuals.
• People with chronic kidney disease also experience multiple health conditions like decreased cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle force, and physical performance, which contribute to their emotional and social problems and functional limitations.
• The physical, mental, and emotional problems associated with chronic kidney disease, together with treatments and lifestyle adjustments, result in a decrease in a patient’s quality of life.
• Researchers from Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran and Clemson University in the U.S. carried out a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 50 people with chronic kidney disease.
• They randomly divided the participants into two groups: an experimental and a control group.
• Participants in the experimental group participated in modified classical Pilates exercises three times a week over a 12-week period.
• To assess the quality of life of the participants, they all answered the Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire at the beginning of the trial and two months after the intervention period.
• Based on the results, the researchers saw significant increases in the scores for quality of life dimensions of participants who performed Pilates exercises.
• The quality of life of participants in the Pilates group was significantly better than the control group.

In conclusion, the researchers propose the inclusion of Pilates exercises in the treatment of people with chronic kidney disease as it is proven effective and safe.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

To read more studies on the health benefits of Pilates exercises, visit Naturopathy.news.

Journal Reference:

Rahimimoghadam Z, Rahemi Z, Sadat Z, Mirbagher Ajorpaz N. PILATES EXERCISES AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. February 2019; 34: 35-40. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.017