This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intradialyic exercise on dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status in hemodialysis patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty-four participants were recruited using stratified random sampling and allocated with a 1:1 randomization ratio to either experimental group (EG, treated in odd weekdays, n = 32) or comparison group (CG, treated in even weekdays, n = 32). The EG received a 12-week intradialytic exercise, while the CG maintained usual lifestyles. Dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks. The results indicated that there were no differences in changes of dialytic parameters from baseline between EG and CG. However, the EG had increased HRQL and reduced depression status at 12 weeks compared with the CG. A 12-week intradialytic exercise is safe, feasible and effective in improved HRQL and reduced depression status for hemodialysis patients.

Exercise has been shown to be of fundamental importance in managing chronic diseases and improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) as well as psychological health. However, whether intradialyic exercise is safe and has positive impact on HRQL and depression status in hemodialysis patients requires further researches with diverse racial and cultural groups to clarify. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intradialyic exercise on dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status in hemodialysis patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Sixty-four participants from 112 eligible hemodialysis patients were recruited using stratified random sampling and allocated with a 1:1 randomization ratio to either experimental group (EG, treated in odd weekdays, n = 32) or comparison group (CG, treated in even weekdays, n = 32). The EG received a 12-week intradialytic exercise (supine lower-limb ergometer, 30 minutes/session, 3 sessions/week), while the CG maintained usual lifestyles. Dialytic parameters (serum chemistries, serum electrolytes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate), HRQL, and depression status were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks. The results indicated that there were no differences in changes of dialytic parameters from baseline between EG and CG. However, the EG had increased HRQL (ß = 22.6, p<.001) and reduced depression status (ß = -7.5, p = .02) at 12 weeks compared with the CG. A 12-week intradialytic exercise is safe, feasible and effective in improved HRQL and reduced depression status for hemodialysis patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) ESRD patients on maintenance of hemodialysis; (2) aged 20 to 80 years; (3) able to speak and understand Mandarin; (4) had received regular treatment with hemodialysis (3 times/ week) for at least 6 months; (5) agreed to be randomized to one of the two groups.

Exclusion Criteria:

• lower limb disabilities, hospitalized patients, treatment with peritoneal dialysis, received hemodialysis less than 3 times/ week, a history of recent acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, acute stroke, hospitalization experience within 6 months, cancer, and diagnosed with mental illness, especially depression.

outcome assessor was blinded to the group assignment