Patients receiving hemodialysis exhibit limited physical function, reduced exercise capacity, and increased muscle atrophy, all of which may be associated with physical inactivity. Therefore, these patients should perform regular exercises to maintain and improve their level of physical activity and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of intradialytic exercise training on patients receiving hemodialysis. A total of 47 patients (36 men and 11 women; mean age, 67.4 years [8.4 years]) who were on hemodialysis treatment participated in the study. These patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) the exercise group (n = 17) and (2) the control group (n = 30). Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. The patients in the exercise group performed our newly developed exercise involving a rubber tubing ; they used a rubber tube for 20 min thrice a week for 24 weeks. Several parameters of physical activity, such as muscular strength and physical performance, were measured at the baseline, at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks after exercise training. The results of our study indicated a significant improvement in physical function in the exercise-group patients. Thus, we concluded that rubber tubing exercises during dialysis treatment improve physical function.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.31/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE