Effect of intra-dialytic physical exercise on depression in prevalent hemodialysis patients

Background Depression is associated with morbidity, death, diminished quality of life, decreased longevity, and even suicidal ideation in hemodialysis patients. Intra-dialytic exercise is considered as integral component of the clinical care management of hemodialysis patients as it improves hemodialysis effectiveness, reducing systemic inflammation, increasing exercise tolerance, decreasing depression and improving quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of intra-dialytic physical exercise on depression and physical activity in prevalent hemodialysis patients. This prospective cohort research comprised 50 hemodialysis patients maintained on regular hemodialysis 3 times/week with duration since starting dialysis (1–5 years), not practicing any previous physical activity, suffering from depressive symptoms, not maintained on antidepressants and separated into two groups: group I underwent intra-dialytic exercise for 3 months and group II was matched in age and gender but did not undertake any exercise. Results Hamilton depression rating scale was significantly decreased in group I after completing the exercise program compared to baseline ( P = 0.000), while there was no significant change in group II. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha significantly decreased in group I compared to baseline ( P = 0.000), while there was no significant change in group II. A positive correlation was found between serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and Hamilton depression rating scale ( r = 0.676), ( P = 0.000). Physical activity tests; 6-min walk test, rapid assessment of physical activity and peak volume of oxygen consumption were significantly improved in group I compared to baseline ( P = 0.000), while there was no statistically significant difference in group II. Serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels were significantly decreased in group I compared to baseline ( P