Introduction
depression, COM, intradialytic, diabetes
ULCERS, COMPLICATIONS, DIABETES
In older individuals with diabetes, low compliance with exercise and physical activity has been associated with foot complications (e.g., ulcers) and frailty, which can increase economic costsDelivering exercise during HD sessions, which is commonly referred to as intradialytic exercise, could help address these barriers to exerciseTo help address limitations of conventional intradialytic exercise, we developed an interactive intradialytic exercise program (intradialytic-Exergame; iExergame) that is non-weight-bearing, coached, and gamified. Our previous research showed iExergame training significantly reduced depression in this population, and was well-received by participantsThis rationale informed our objective to evaluate the effect of a 4-week iExergame program on gait speed and postural control in older individuals with diabetes receiving HD. We hypothesized that compared to controls receiving conventional training without technology, older individuals receiving 4-week iExergame training would show: (1) increased gait speed, longer stride length, shorter stride time, and less time spent in double-limb support, as well as (2) decreased center of mass (COM), hip, and ankle postural sways.