Effects of Intradialytic Exercise Intervention with Paced Constant Pedal Rates in Hemodialysis Patients

Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of an intradialytic quantitative exercise intervention with paced constant pedal rates.[Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven hemodialysis outpatients (19 men, 8 women, aged 67 ± 10 years) performed an intradialytic ergometer exercise in a supine position using paced constant pedal rates for 12 weeks.[Results] The elderly patients who were able to perform 70% (1,260 revolutions) of a target of 60 rpm for 30 min (1,800 rev), showed significant improvements in the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and long-sitting forward flexion.In multiple logistic regression analysis, diabetic nephropathy and performance in the 6MWD were risk factors that interfered with the patients' ability to perform 70% of the target value.[Conclusion] In intradialytic exercise, 1,260 revolutions is a cut-off point, and the gait function of diabetic nephropathy patients who exceed this pedal rate may improve.