Introduction: Hemodialysis patients have poorer motor skills and are on average less physically active than the healthy population. The effects of various exercise programs in these patients are poorly studied. In most cases, physical activity is performed in the form of cycling during dialysis. Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of two exercise programs on physical performance, body composition, and blood parameters of hemodialysis patients. The first exercise program or control program included intradialytic cycling. The second exercise program or experimental program included guided functional training before dialysis in addition to cycling during dialysis. Methods: Before the intervention, we tested upper and lower extremity strength in 29 patients who agreed to participate in the study. This was done with the hand-grip strength test (dynamometer) and with the 10-repetition sit-to-stand test. Body composition (lean body mass and fat mass) was measured in all patients with bioimpedance. When connected to dialysis, we also took a blood sample and analyzed certain parameters (c-reactive protein, hemoglobin, cholesterol, etc.). After the initial tests, patients were randomly divided into two groups - a control and an experimental group. Before each dialysis (3 times per week), the experimental group performed guided functional training with a kinesiologist. After dialysis started, nurses brought an adapted bicycle for intradialytic cycling and monitored and motivated them during the exercises. The control group performed only the intradialytic cycling program in the same way as the experimental group. Both exercises took place on each dialysis day (3 times per week) for a period of two months (8 weeks). At the end of this period, we repeated all tests and compared the results. Results: 27 patients successfully completed the study. Compared to the control group, the experimental group statistically significantly improved their result in the hand-grip strength test (p < 0.001) and the 10-repetition sit-to-stand test (p = 0.009). The experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in LDL cholesterol (p = 0.027). Discussion and conclusion: The research found that both exercise programs have positive effects on hemodialysis patients. Better patient outcomes are achieved when functional training is added to intradialytic cycling. Physical exercise is beneficial, feasible, and safe for dialysis patients.
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