Pedal power improves results for dialysis patients

CTV Calgary: Dialysis atop a bike? Kevin Fleming reports on a new dialysis technique which has the blood pumping while the patients pedal

Riding a stationary bike while receiving hemodialysis helps patients pass the time but it is also proving to be a positive step for overall health.

New research shows dialysis patients experience substantial health benefits if they exercise while undergoing treatment.

According to the study, those who ride a stationary bicycle for a portion of their regular dialysis sessions see significant improvements in leg strength.

“Improving leg strength may not sound that important, but it promotes mobility, helps maintain independence, and substantially decreases the risk of falls, which can be devastating for this patient population,” said Dr. Jennifer MacRae, Alberta Health Services nephrologist and principal investigator in the study. “The research also shows those who cycle while dialyzing maintain their overall health. This, too, is significant since other studies have shown a more steady decline in health over time in those renal patients who do not exercise.”

Toxins and excess fluid are removed from the blood during dialysis and the patient’s blood is filtered through a dialyzer and then returned to the body.

Most patients are treated three times a week and research has shown that exercise during hemodialysis helps clean the blood more effectively and leads to improvements in blood pressure control and cardiac function.

Jakob Vandenbrink, 84, started dialysis in 2011 and has been cycling during treatments at Sheldon Chumir Health Centre.

“I find it really helps pass the time,” said Vandenbrink “Most people start with 30 minutes and advance from there if possible, but I’ll go for two hours if I feel up to it. I feel like I’ve accomplished something, rather than just sitting here.”

“It improves how well they’re dialyzing, so that’s another advantage versus people that, if they were to exercise at home, they don’t get that advantage, so it kills two birds with one stone,” said Nathalie Tang, Kinesiologist.

“Finally we’re all realizing that exercise helps you no matter what illness, no matter who you are, it’s really beneficial and I know its cheesy, but I like to say it’s actually that magic little pill, it really is,” said Dr. MacRae.

The Southern Alberta Renal Program has one of the largest exercise programs for dialysis patients in Canada and almost 230 patients cycle weekly at nine different sites.

The findings will be presented at a November conference of the American Society of Nephrology.