Tackling the survival issue in end-stage renal disease : time to get physical on haemodialysis

Life expectancy in haemodialysis patients is reduced fourfold on average versus healthy age matched individuals. The purpose of this review is to present empirical evidence that intradialytic exercise can mitigate primary independent risk factors for early mortality in end-stage renal disease. These risk factors include measures of skeletal muscle wasting, systemic inflammation, cardio-vascular functioning and dialysis adequacy. Overall, the available literature provides support for the integration of exercise within the conventional outpatient haemodialysis unit. The amelioration of various physiological risk factors through an appropriate exercise prescription may enhance survival in this vulnerable cohort. Investigations are required to determine the effects of various doses of intradialytic exercise on a broad range of clinical outcomes, and more thoroughly elucidate the relationship between exercise-induced adaptations and survival advantage in end-stage renal disease.