Exercise during haemodialysis: West of Scotland pilot study

Exercise during dialysis (EDD) in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has been documented as an effective intervention to improving a patient's aerobic capacity.

This pilot study aimed to confirm physiological improvements, to establish its safety and practicality and to form guidelines for a long-term study, leading to the integration of EDD in ESRD therapy.

A total of 17 patients on hospital haemodialysis were recruited: ten exercisers (age 42.4 +/- 12.6) and six controls (age 41.0 +/- 8.3). Both groups were initially tested for estimated VO(2max), heart rate, blood pressure, leg extension peak torque, anxiety and depression levels, as well as biochemical and haematological values. The exercisers then underwent cycling ergometer exercise sessions during dialysis, twice weekly, for a total of 12 sessions. Both groups were re-tested after this period.

All test and exercise sessions were completed without complication. Compliance was high with only 1 exerciser failing to complete all 12 sessions. The exercisers showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in EDD workrates (44.3 to 52.1 watts) during the 12 sessions and a reduction in anxiety (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis showed no other significant changes in either group after the 6-week period.

This pilot study has confirmed that aerobic EDD is feasible and well accepted by patients on hospital haemodialysis. EDD reduced anxiety scores and showed a trend for an improved level of aerobic fitness.