| [ Summary ] |
Hemodialysis (HD) patients exhibit lower levels of fitness in relation to various structural, metabolic, and functional abnormalities due to uremic changes in skeletal muscles. The exercise capacity of HD patients declines and is independent of the extent of renal dysfunction. Furthermore, HD patients are at high risk of falls, with subsequent complications including fractures, loss of independence, hospitalization, and institutionalization. In addition, aerobic and resistance exercise are beneficial not only in improving physical functioning, including maximal oxygen uptake and muscle strength, but also in improving anthropometrics, nutritional status, hematological indexes, inflammatory cytokines, depression, and health-related quality of life. Recently, the benefits of exercise for HD patients have been well established. Additionally, intradialytic exercises are safe without leading to any adverse events. Furthermore, regular exercise should be considered a crucial therapeutic modality for HD patients. |