The metabolic and psychological effects of exercise training in hemodialysis patients

The effect of exercise training on metabolic abnormalities and psychological function was assessed in seven hemodialysis patients. Their initial work capacity was low and improved after 8 months of training. Exercise was associated with a reduction in the dose of antihypertensive medications in four patients and a decrease in phosphate binder therapy in three patients. There was also a rise in hematocrit levels (% delta = 34 +/- 20%, P less than 0.03) and the hemoglobin concentration (% delta = 37 +/- 23%, P less than 0.05) of five males. Plasma glucose levels fell (-5 +/- 2%, P less than 0.05, n = 5) and the glucose disappearance rate improved (20 +/- 7%, P less than 0.02), while hyperinsulinism decreased (-36 +/- 20%, P less than 0.02, n = 5) during training. There was no change in body weight or diet. Exercise lowered plasma triglyceride levels (-41 +/- 28%, P less than 0.02, n = 6) and raised the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (20 +/- 21%, P less than 0.05, n = 6). Psychological testing (n = 4) demonstrated that exercise training was associated with an improvement in depression, hostility, anxiety, social interaction, and outlook for the future. These results suggest that exercise can improve some of metabolic abnormalities and psychological dysfunction which exists in some dialysis patients.