Objective
To assess whether performing exercises during hemodialysis reduces the risk of developing intradialytic hypotension and enhances exercise capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Methods
This study included patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemodialysis. Participants performed exercises using a portable lower extremity ergometer during hemodialysis sessions for 3 weeks. Data regarding walking distance, knee strength, quality of life, fat-free mass, arterial pressure, blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of intradialytic hypotension, fatigue, and duration of hemodialysis were collected and analyzed.
Results
Significant improvements in walking distance and knee strength were observed following the implementation of exercise training during hemodialysis. Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of intradialytic hypotension, a decreasing trend was noted. Other parameters such as quality of life and fatigue did not show significant changes.
Conclusion
Using a portable ergometer during hemodialysis improved exercise capacity and knee strength in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was a trend toward reduced intradialytic hypotension, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.

Citations

• Resistance Training Improves Fluid Imbalance Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Fatemeh Pourmahdigholi
  Journal of Clinical Nephrology.2026; 10(1): 008.     CrossRef
• Can exercise reduce fatigue in people living with kidney disease?
  Thomas J. Wilkinson, Lisa Ancliffe, Jamie H. Macdonald
  Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.2025; 28(3): 200.     CrossRef
• Effect of intra-dialytic exercise on hemodialysis session adequacy and solutes clearance and rebound in prevalent hemodialysis patients
  Howaida Elshinnawy, Hisham Elsayed, Hayam Hebah, Waleed Abdelmohsen, Dina Farrag, Mostafa Abdelnasier
  Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef