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OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the impact of an 8-week intradialytic exercise program (consisting of 15 minutes low-intensity exercise during the first 2 hours of dialysis) on dialysis efficacy. METHODS: In an open randomized controlled trial, a total of 50 clinically stable hemodialysis patients were enrolled into the study and randomly allocated into two groups: the aerobic exercise group (n=25) and the control group (n=25). Aerobic exercises were done in the intervention group for 15 min/day, three times a week for 2 months. The dialysis efficacy was assessed prior to and at the end of each month of the program. RESULTS: The efficacy of dialysis increased at the end of the first month and remained elevated for the duration of the program in the exercise group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A simplified aerobic exercise program has increased the efficacy of dialysis and may be considered as a safe, complementary and effective modality for hemodialysis patients.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: We aimed determine the impact of an 8-week intradialytic exercise program, consisting of 15 minutes of cumulative duration low-intensity exercise during the first 2 hours of dialysis on serum electrolytes levels and hemoglobin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial of in an outpatient hemodialysis unit, clinically stable hemodialysis patients (n = 47) were included and assigned into the aerobic exercise group (n = 25) and the control group (n = 23). Aerobic exercises were done in groups, 15 min/d, 3 times a week, for 2 months. The main outcome measures were biochemical variables including serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and potassium levels and hemoglobin level. RESULTS: After an 8-week intervention, significant improvements were seen in serum phosphate levels (decreased by 1.84 mg/dL) and serum potassium levels (decreased by 0.69 mg/dL). No side-effects were observed. Serum calcium and hemoglobin levels did not change significantly in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: A simplified aerobic exercise program is a complementary, safe, and effective clinical treatment modality in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis.