Evaluating Two Types of Intradialytic Exercise Programs With and Without Blood Flow Restriction for Heart Protection in Adults on Hemodialysis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different intradialytic rehabilitation programs involving physical exercise, with or without blood flow restriction, on heart function and structure in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study aims to compare these exercise programs to usual care without exercise, focusing on reducing myocardial stunning and improving cardiac remodeling. It also investigates the immediate effects of exercise sessions with and without blood flow restriction during dialysis. The study includes three groups one receiving standard hemodialysis with no exercise, one participating in a 12-week intradialytic exercise program without vascular occlusion, and one participating in a 12-week program with vascular occlusion applying blood flow restriction. Exercise sessions involve 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling three times a week, starting 30 minutes after dialysis begins. The acute effects are tested by having patients undergo one session of each dialysis modality in randomized order before starting the chronic phase. Participants will be monitored from enrollment through 19 weeks, undergoing assessments including heart ultrasound measurements, blood pressure, blood tests for various markers related to heart function, inflammation, and muscle health. Researchers will evaluate changes in cardiac motion abnormalities, heart strain, blood chemistry, and muscle strength. Safety and heart rhythm will also be followed, with the study running until October 2028.

Intradialytic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction in Hemodialysis Patients