Background
loss of skeletal muscle mass, HD, sarcopenia, pain, PEW, Sarcopenia
DISEASE, SARCOPENIA, CHRONIC RENAL INSUFFICIENCY, LOSS OF SKELETAL MUSCLE MASS, SARCOPENIA
As of 2019, over 850 million people worldwide suffered from a chronic renal insufficiency representing over 10% of the global population [Patients on dialysis have a significantly reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. 5-year mortality ranges from 10 to over 80%, depending on age and comorbidities [Sarcopenia defined as loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function [Due to the immobilization required for dialysis (approx. 4 h, 3 times a week) and the frequently associated comorbidities, physical activity of dialysis patients, including exercise, is markedly reduced and further decreases with time and severity of disease [Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a form of training in which electrical impulses stimulate nerves and, thus, cause targeted muscles to contract. Hence, NMES training could improve muscle strength and functionality in everyday life in this population. However, laboratory results are inconclusive with respect to serum albumin levels and, thus, improvement of sarcopenia and PEW [Before starting this pilot study, existing literature showed only the effects of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) training programs, like Nintendo Wii Fit and fully immersive VR programs about mindfulness for HD patients in pilot studies [Fully immersive VR headsets are already being used as a distraction therapy for pain patients [