Comparison of Body Composition, Strength, and Physical Performance Measurements Between Healthy Participants and Hemodialysis Patients

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the difference in physical performance tests, strength, and total and regional mass using a comprehensive dataset between maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and a healthy population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 84 HD patients were enrolled. We selected 42 healthy participants (HPs) age- and sex-matched to the 84 HD patients as controls. Collected data were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), laboratory findings, total and regional measurements for lean mass or fat mass, thigh muscle area (TMA), handgrip strength, and physical performance measurements. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in BMI, total lean mass, or total fat mass including regional fat mass between the two groups. Lean leg mass and TMA were greater in HPs than in HD patients. All measurements of physical performance, including handgrip strength, were better in HPs than in HD patients. A multivariate analysis of lean leg mass, TMA, and physical performance measures had similar results to the same data studied with a univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that HD patients had decreased physical performance and strength compared to HPs. The difference in leg muscle mass was most prominent among the total and regional body compositions between HPs and HD patients.