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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 = 20) and control (n = 17) 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 2 h of dialysis, twice a week for 20 min each time, for 3 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 22 was used for data analysis. Sexual function scores of the intervention group were 35.9 at the beginning of the study, 34.1 in the first month, 37.4 in the second month, 34.8 in the third month, and 31.7 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 34.5, 34.4, 34.9, 33.8, and 33.9 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 > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function scores during and after the intervention (p > 0.05). Passive pedaling with mini‐bike had no effect on sexual function of hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in hemodialysis patients. These patients are also very prone to Lcarnitine deficiency due to kidney disease. In this clinical trial, we investigated the effect of oral L-carnitine on endothelial function of these patients. Materials ans Methods: We studied 31 adult chronic hemodialysis patients in our center and divided them into two groups. The first group (n = 20) received 1500 mg/dialysis interval (every other day) oral L-carnitine. The control group (n = 11) received placebo for one month. Ultrasonographic measurements of flow mediated dilation and carotid intima-media thickness were performed before and after one month of L-carnitine and placebo therapy. Results: This study showed that after one month of Lcarnitine or placebo therapy there was no significant improvement in flow mediated dilation (p = 0.80 and p = 0.59, respectively) or decrease in carotid intima-media thickness (p = 0.12 and p = 0.50, respectively). Conclusions: Our study revealed that one month of oral L-carnitine therapy did not improve endothelial function in hemodialysis patients. Long-term studies with large sample size using intravenous form and higher doses of the drug are required to clarify the questionable role of L-carnitine in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]