Effect of Plyometric Training on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

resumen

Amira M. Mahmoud*, Amira M. EL-Tohamy, Rasha Helmy, Amira M. Abd Elmonem

Background: Physical inactivity reduces skeletal muscle strength, which in turn increases mortality risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Purpose: to investigate the effect of plyometric training on balance and muscle strength in children with CKD.

Material and methods: Thirty six children with CKD (stages 2 and 3) ranging in age from 7 to 10 years were randomly allocated to two groups equally. Control group received traditional medical treatment and regular follow-up without change of their daily physical activity routine and Plyo-group received the same medical treatment given to the control group in addition to plyometric exercise 45 min, three times /week for 2 months. Balance and muscle strength were assessed by using Human Assessment Computer (HUMAC) Balance System and Lafayette manual muscle testing system, respectively.

Results: Study groups were comparable with respect to all outcome measures at entry (P > 0.05). With?in group comparison showed that there was no significant difference in control group post treatment compared with that pretreatment (p > 0.001), while there was a significant increase right and left hip flexors, abductors, knee flexors and extensors in Plyo-group (p < 0.01) as well as balance indices (p < 0.05). Further, between groups comparison revealed significant higher improvements (P < 0.05) in favor of the Plyo-group.

Conclusions: Two months plyometric training holds promise in enhancing balance and improving lower limb muscle strength. Clinicians and physical rehabilitation professionals can, therefore, integrate the plyometric training protocols for such a patient population to optimize their health and physical performance.