Dialysis Patients Benefit: Exercise Improves Health

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that light exercise can significantly reduce hospital admissions and improve physical fitness for individuals undergoing dialysis.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Technical University of Munich, involved approximately 1,000 dialysis patients from 21 locations in Germany.

Over a year, half of the participants engaged in light exercise sessions, including 30 minutes of weights and 30 minutes of endurance training, at least once and up to three times a week. The other half were monitored medically without any exercise routine. The results were remarkable.

“We mounted one of the world’s largest studies on physical activity in the context of specific diseases,” stated Martin Halle, a professor at the Technical University of Munich.

The study found that the individuals who exercised experienced improved health outcomes, such as increased repetitions and longer walking durations in six minutes, compared to their baseline abilities.

Additionally, those who exercised could stand without assistance, a feat they struggled with before the exercise routine. Furthermore, when hospitalized, the exercisers had an average stay of two days, while the non-exercisers stayed an average of five days.
“This type of standardized testing may admittedly not appear to be particularly reflective of everyday life; however, the results demonstrate tangible improvements in quality of life and autonomy,” explained Halle. The study improved participants’ health and reduced healthcare costs with minimal investment.

“This study serves as a reminder of the positive impact exercise can have on overall well-being, even for those with specific health conditions like kidney failure undergoing dialysis,” – Joe Kubulak, Chief Operating Officer at SpecialtyRx.