Abstract Background Dialysis patients are at a high risk of sarcopenia. To prevent sarcopenia in these patients, exercise programs, especially during dialysis sessions, have recently been used. However, the long-term effects of intradialytic exercise on body composition, physical function, and dialysis adequacy have not been fully elucidated. Methods Fourteen dialysis patients were divided into the non-ergometer group (n = 8) without intradialytic exercise, and the ergometer group (n = 6) with intradialytic exercise at a self-selected intensity using an ergometer. Bioelectrical impedance analysis for measuring body composition and physical function tests were performed during the one-year study period. Results No patients withdrew from the study. Ergometer exercise significantly increased skeletal muscle mass (non-ergometer 2.01% ± 2.93% vs. ergometer 6.27% ± 2.12%, p = 0.005, 95% confidence interval (CI 1.18 to 7.35), and showed a trend toward an increase in leg muscle mass (5.85% ± 12.88% vs. 15.39% ± 8.78%, p = 0.073, 95% CI − 3.82 to 22.90). Furthermore, ergometer exercise significantly increased bone mineral content (4.50% ± 6.18% vs. 9.69% ± 1.77%, p = 0.036, 95% CI 0.52 to 10.91), and tended to decrease body fat percentage (− 4.46% ± 16.30% vs. − 14.24% ± 6.86%, p = 0.098, 95% CI − 25.32 to 5.77). Lower limb physical function tended to improve, and Kt/V exhibited a trend toward an increase in the ergometer group (− 3.54% ± 5.68% vs. 1.52% ± 5.57%, p = 0.061, 95% CI − 1.57 to 3.04). Conclusions A 1 year intradialytic ergometer exercise at self-selected intensity increased skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral content, and tended to reduce body fat percentage in dialysis patients, with no dropouts. Additionally, it mildly increased physical function and Kt/V. This pilot study may provide a novel strategy for sustainable and effective intradialytic exercise therapy for patients undergoing dialysis, warranting further large-scale investigation.
Ono et al. (Sat,) studied this question.