Key result
Activity monitors and mobile apps offer feasible sarcopenia management in hemodialysis, while AI remains proof-of-concept.
Digital health technologies show promise for managing sarcopenia in hemodialysis patients, but further multicenter studies and rigorous clinical validation are needed before widespread implementation.
Supports cautious use of activity monitors and apps in hemodialysis sarcopenia care; leaves open validation of biosensors and AI systems.
Digital health technologies are increasingly being explored as supportive tools for managing sarcopenia in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Wearable devices, mobile health applications, telemedicine platforms, artificial intelligence, and virtual or augmented reality may support monitoring, patient engagement, and intervention delivery. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous, and the clinical readiness of different digital modalities varies substantially. Activity monitors, mobile applications, and remote follow-up platforms are relatively feasible for clinical or home-based supportive management, whereas continuous biosensors and some AI-driven prediction systems remain largely at the proof-of-concept or early validation stage. This narrative review synthesizes current applications, potential effects, limitations, and future directions of digital health technologies in the management of sarcopenia among MHD patients. Particular attention is given to internationally representative evidence because many existing studies are concentrated in specific regional or healthcare contexts. The review also discusses how digital tools may support MHD-specific monitoring by integrating data on interdialytic weight gain, volume fluctuations, dialysis adequacy, dialysis- and non-dialysis-day activity patterns, and laboratory indicators related to nutrition, inflammation, and uremic toxin burden. Further multicenter studies, quantitative comparisons across modalities, and rigorous clinical validation are needed before these technologies can be widely implemented.
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Luo et al. (2026) conducted a review in Sarcopenia in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Digital health technologies was evaluated. Activity monitors and mobile applications are feasible for managing sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis patients, whereas continuous biosensors and AI systems remain at the proof-of-concept stage.
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