Millions of people around the world undergo dialysis each year. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for individuals with kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction. While Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for kidney failure, it can limit physical activity. This lack of exercise can develop or worsen comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.
A study conducted by researchers from the Technology University of Munich (TUM) explored the benefits of light exercise customized to the abilities of dialysis patients.
The researchers believe that exercise programs should be standard for dialysis patients.
The findings suggested that exercise programs tailored to the abilities of dialysis patients should be readily available as a standard practice, as they can lead to an improved quality of life and a reduction in hospital visits.
“The limitations imposed by these diseases, and the time required for dialysis, often mean that those affected engage in little physical exercise. We wanted to change that,” says Martin Halle, Professor of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine at TUM.
In a 12-month study involving 1,000 dialysis patients from 21 dialysis centers, half received exercise sessions tailored to their abilities. The group receiving exercise therapy had an average of two hospital visits over 12 months, while the sedentary group had five visits, highlighting a significant decrease in hospital visits for those undergoing physical therapy.
