The effect of intradialytic resistance exercise on physical function and dialysis adequacy in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Intradialytic resistance exercise significantly improved physical function as measured by the six-minute walk test.

• The six-minute walk test distance improved significantly over the three-month intervention
• Mean paired difference of 26.4 meters (p = 0.007)
• Study included 21 patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Sahloul University Hospital
• Intervention consisted of supervised intradialytic resistance training conducted twice or three times a week over 12 weeks

Intradialytic resistance exercise significantly reduced intradialytic blood pressure.

• Intradialytic blood pressure decreased from 121.7 mmHg to 112 mmHg (p = 0.03)
• This represents a reduction of approximately 9.7 mmHg
• Cardiovascular parameters were assessed before and after the 12-week intervention

Dialysis adequacy markers showed significant improvement following the intradialytic resistance exercise intervention.

• Creatinine Reduction Ratio increased significantly (p = 0.04)
• Urea Reduction Ratio also increased significantly (p = 0.04)
• Dialysis adequacy parameters were assessed before and after the intervention

Nutritional status improved among patients following the 12-week intradialytic resistance exercise program.

• Fewer patients were at risk of malnutrition after the intervention
• BMI shifted toward healthier ranges following the intervention
• Nutritional status was assessed before and after the 12-week program

The study population consisted of 21 maintenance hemodialysis patients with a predominantly female sample and relatively young mean age.

• 21 patients were included in the pre-experimental clinical trial
• Female predominance of 76.2%
• Mean age was 44.5 ± 10.4 years
• Five patients (23.8%) received hemodialysis twice a week, while 16 patients (76.2%) underwent dialysis three times a week
• Trial was conducted between February and August 2024 at Sahloul University Hospital