The Impact of Pre-Dialytic Endurance Training on Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Stable Hemodialysis Patients (Sawada Study)

Background. Protein-energy malnutrition and decreased quality of life (QOL) are common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Although several studies have proved that regular exercise has beneficial effects, few control studies have shown the effects of exercise training on the nutritional status and QOL in HD patients. Methods. Fifty-five HD patients were recruited, and 22 of them were trained to exercise on an ergometer prior to dialysis three times a week for one year. Serum albumin levels, creatinine generation rate (CGR), and the Short Form 36 were assessed as outcome measures. Results. The serum albumin levels and CGR increased in the training group compared with baseline. The QOL scores also increased in half of the physical health and mental health dimensions in the training group. Conclusion. These observations suggest that low-dose, long-term pre-dialytic endurance training might reverse the poor clinical outcome by improving the nutritional status and QOL in HD patients.