LifestyleExercise

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.

Last updated: Jul 15, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score58/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effectiveness of Resistance Intradialytic Exercise Compared to Aerobic Intradialytic Exercise for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

observational

da Silva Almeida K, Miyamoto GC, da Costa Torres D, Chaves ISR, do Carmo Paschoalin J, Nascimento BL, Chiavegato LD · 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)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks
Intervention: Aerobic intradialytic exercise (cycling or similar) performed during hemodialysis sessions for 12 weeks.
Outcome: General fatigue (measured by fatigue scale) and health-related quality of life (EQ-VAS and utility score).
Effect Size: MD=2.2 for general fatigue; MD=-0.04 for HRQL utility
Population: 35 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Result:

PubMed: 42444374DOI: 10.1002/1744-9987.70175

Mechanism Graph

Exercise during dialysis improves cardiovascular fitness
↓
Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
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Enhances energy metabolism and reduces fatigue perception
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Result: Improved general fatigue and quality of life

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.