Effects of handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm veins on forearm vessels in patients with end-stage renal failure.

The purpose of our study was to assess the influence of handgrip training and intermittent compression of the upper arm veins on forearm arteries and veins. Eighteen chronic hemodialysis patients performed daily handgrip training for 8 weeks using a rubber ring, together with daily intermittent compression of the upper arm veins by elastic band. The forearm circumference, maximal handgrip strength, and arterial and vein parameters, including endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, were measured at the beginning, and after 4 and 8 weeks (using ultrasound scanning). The maximal handgrip strength and forearm circumference increased significantly. The radial artery diameters were significantly higher after 8 weeks of training (1.89 mm +/- 0.10 at the beginning, 1.95 +/- 0.10 mm after 8 weeks, P = 0.007), and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was also found to be increased after 4 and 8 weeks of both activities. The venous parameters before tourniquet placement increased significantly after 8 weeks (2.40 +/- 0.16 mm at the beginning, 2.62 +/- 0.17 mm after 8 weeks, P = 0.014), and the venous parameters after tourniquet placement increased significantly after 4 and 8 weeks (3.36 +/- 0.17 mm at the beginning, 3.51 +/- 0.18 mm after 4 weeks, P = 0.009), 3.68 +/- 0.18 mm after 8 weeks, P < 0.001). The distensibility of veins was preserved. Our results showed that handgrip training and intermittent compression of the upper arm veins, performed daily, increase the diameter of forearm arteries and veins and improve endothelium-dependent vasodilatation.