28 The Influence of Aerobic Training During Hemodialysis Procedure on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Aerobic Capacity of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Background Several studies have shown beneficial effect of aerobic exercise performed during hemodialysis procedure. The aim of our prospective clinical study was to evaluate the effect of 2 months aerobic exercise during hemodialysis procedure on blood pressure, heart rate and aerobic capacity of chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods Eleven adult chronic hemodialysis patients participated the prospective clinical study. Nine of them completed a 2 month aerobic exercise program. Exercise training was carried out during hemodialysis procedure, three times a week, in lying position, on the “bed” cycle ergometer Thera‐Joy (Medica, Germany). The exercise was prescribed based on aerobic capacity and Borg's scale of subjective effort perceiving and corresponded to moderate physical exercise (50–70% of the maximum target heart rate). Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored continuously during the procedure. Aerobic capacity was tested before and after the 2 month exercise program. Results Mean values of systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate before exercise were 146 ± 9 mmHg, 87 ± 5 mmHg, and 77 ± 7 beats/min, respectively. After the exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower and heart rate significantly higher than before (142 ± 9 mmHg, 84 ± 6 mmHg, 82 ± 8, P < 0.05). If comparing systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the exercise in the first and eighth week of the exercise program, no significant differences were found. However, heart rate was significantly lower before as well as after the exercise in the eighth week compared to the first week of exercise. Mean VO2 increased from 29.2 ± 8.3 to 30.5 ± 9.3 mL/kg/min, mean double product increased from 29.7 × 103 ± 6.4 to 32.0 × 103 ± 6.2, both differences not being statistically significant. Conclusion Controlled aerobic exercise during hemodialysis procedure was safe and well tolerated. No significant difference in blood pressure, significantly lower heart rate and slight (although statistically not significant) improvement in aerobic capacity were observed.