Trial procedures
comorbidity, cardiac diseases, cancer, diabetes, dysrhythmia, intradialytic, cerebrovascular accident/transient
CARDIAC DISEASES, ATHEROSCLEROTIC HEART DISEASE, CANCER, GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING, LIVER DISEASE, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE, ISCHEMIC ATTACK, DYSRHYTHMIA, CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, KIDNEY FAILURE, PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE, DIABETES
Before starting the study, some educational and motivational posters were installed in the dialysis center so that all patients became familiar with the benefits of exercise and especially intradialytic exercise. Then, the principal investigator described the side-effects of inactivity and sedentary lifestyle to all interested patients. Specifically, the PI encouraged all patients to be active and provided information regarding potential benefits of intradialytic exercise. After providing written informed consent, eligible patients received a baseline assessment. Data were collected on demographic characteristics (age, sex, and time on hemodialysis), primary cause of kidney failure, and comorbidities (atherosclerotic heart disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease, dysrhythmia, and other cardiac diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease, cancer, and diabetes). Comorbidities were quantified using Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) established for dialysis patients, which included the underlying cause of kidney failure, as well as 11 comorbidities [Participants were then randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or control group. The randomization sequence was generated by a study biostatistician who was not otherwise involved in the study using a computer-generated random schedule (using Stata 16, Stata Crop, College Station, Tx). Allocation concealment was safeguarded through the use of sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes by a specified staff member who was not involved in the study.