Aerobic intradialytic exercise reduces general fatigue and improves health-related quality of life compared to resistance intradialytic exercise in hemodialysis patients.
In a randomized controlled trial of 35 hemodialysis patients, aerobic exercise during dialysis was significantly more effective than resistance exercise in reducing general fatigue (MD: 2.2; 95% CI: 0.4-4.0) and improving health-related quality of life utility (MD: -0.04; 95% CI: -0.10 to -0.04). No significant between-group differences were found for handgrip strength or other secondary outcomes.
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Aerobic intradialytic exercise reduces general fatigue and improves health-related quality of life compared to resistance intradialytic exercise in hemodialysis patients. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 58/100 (low).
The Claim
Aerobic intradialytic exercise reduces general fatigue and improves health-related quality of life compared to resistance intradialytic exercise in hemodialysis patients.
This conclusion is most relevant to: 35 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effectiveness of Resistance Intradialytic Exercise Compared to Aerobic Intradialytic Exercise for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. (Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Exercise during dialysis improves cardiovascular fitness
- ▸Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
- ▸Enhances energy metabolism and reduces fatigue perception
- ▸Result: Improved general fatigue and quality of life
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸35 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=35) limits generalizability
- ▸No blinding of participants or exercise supervisors due to nature of intervention
- ▸Short intervention duration (12 weeks) may not capture long-term effects
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of exercise is better for hemodialysis patients: aerobic or resistance?▼
This study found aerobic exercise was more effective than resistance exercise for reducing general fatigue and improving health-related quality of life, though both were safe and feasible.
Did resistance exercise improve handgrip strength in this study?▼
Yes, resistance exercise improved handgrip strength within the group (MD: 2.4; 95% CI: 0.3-4.5), but there was no significant difference compared to the aerobic group.
How long did the exercise program last?▼
The exercise program lasted 12 weeks, with sessions performed during hemodialysis.
Were there any adverse events reported?▼
No adverse events or harms were reported in either exercise group.
References
- 1.da Silva Almeida K, Miyamoto GC, da Costa Torres D, Chaves ISR, do Carmo Paschoalin J, Nascimento BL, Chiavegato LD. “Effectiveness of Resistance Intradialytic Exercise Compared to Aerobic Intradialytic Exercise for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial..” Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, 2026. PMID: 42444374 DOI: 10.1002/1744-9987.70175