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Abstract Background and Aims Hemodialysis is essential for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but they often face complications affecting their quality of life and cardiovascular health. Exercise has emerged as a potential adjunct therapy for improving outcomes in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to examine the effects of exercise during dialysis on laboratory parameters, intradialytic blood pressure events, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Method An Egyptian dialysis center conducted a 6-month randomized controlled trial involving 80 hemodialysis patients. Patients were randomized into two groups: an intervention group (40 patients), which engaged in 30-minute exercise)in the form of 15 minutes for cycler and 15 minutes for hand grip (three times per week during dialysis sessions, and a control group (40 patients), which did not exercise. Laboratory investigations were performed before and after the intervention, measuring hemoglobin, serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). Intradialytic blood pressure events were recorded, and quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Arabic version of the kidney disease and Quality of Life-Short Form 36 (KDQOL-SF™) Questionnaire. Results The intervention group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in inter-dialytic hypertension episodes compared to the control group (partial η² = .142, Cohen's f = .407). Additionally, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the physical composite score (partial η² = .178, Cohen's f = .465) accompanied by a significant decrease in the mental composite score (partial η² = .232, Cohen's f = .550) Moreover, The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in serum calcium levels post-intervention compared to the control group (partial η² = .069, Cohen's f = .272), with a positive correlation between the change in calcium level and the change in the physical composite score. Conclusion These findings indicate that exercise during haemodialysis may contribute to better blood pressure control and improved physical functioning. Incorporating exercise into the dialysis routine may serve as an effective approach to optimize the health and well-being of haemodialysis patients. Further research should focus on long-term effects and optimal exercise protocols to maximize these benefits.
Ramadan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.