Can passive pedaling improve sexual function in patients under hemodialysis? A randomized clinical trial

To investigate the effect of passive pedaling with mini bike on sexual function in patients under hemodialysis. This study was a randomized clinical trial. Thirty-seven patients undergoing hemodialysis were assigned to the intervention (n = ۲۰) and control (n = ۱۷) groups by the stratified block randomization method. The intervention group exercised with a mini bike that was automatic and tuned for patients during the first ۲ h of dialysis, twice a week for ۲۰ min each time, for ۳ months. The International Index of Erectile Function and Female Sexual Function Index were used to assess the sexual function in the first, second, and third months during the intervention and one month after the intervention. A higher score indicates a better sexual function. Repeated measure ANOVA, Chi–square and Fisher exact tests, independent t, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. The SPSS software version ۲۲ was used for data analysis. Sexual function scores of the intervention group were ۳۵.۹ at the beginning of the study, ۳۴.۱ in the first month, ۳۷.۴ in the second month, ۳۴.۸ in the third month, and ۳۱.۷ one month after the study. There was no significant difference in the scores of sexual function in the intervention group during the study. The mean scores of sexual function in the control group were ۳۴.۵, ۳۴.۴, ۳۴.۹, ۳۳.۸, and ۳۳.۹ at the beginning of the study, in the first month, in the second month, in the third month, and one month after the study, respectively (p > ۰.۰۵). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function scores during and after the intervention (p > ۰.۰۵). Passive pedaling with mini-bike had no effect on sexual function of hemodialysis patients. The code of ethics (IR.KMU.REC.۱۳۹۷.۰۸۶) and the clinical trial code IRCT۲۰۱۸۰۳۱۴۰۳۹۱۰۰N۱. Journal Theraputic Apheresis and Dialysis.

Keywords:

exercise , hemodialysis , mini bike , passive pedaling , sexual function