Conclusions : Compared to age-matched population s , people with ESKD/HD had significantly slower GS and reduced walk distances ; with intervention , the change in the distance walked was significant .
Background : People with end-stage kidney disease ( ESKD ) on hemodialysis ( HD )  commonly have functional impairments .
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of HD on spatio-temporal characteristics of gait , and effect of exercise on these parameters .
Implementation of exercise training programs in a hemodialysis unit: effects on physical performance.
INTRODUCTION Exercise training is beneficial for hemodialysis patients , but it should be tailored to individual abilities and willingness to participate . This study evaluated the effects of different 6-month programs of physical activity in 18 patients of a single hemodialysis unit . METHODS Before and after a 12-month control period ( T0 ) , and following 3 ( T3 ) and 6 ( T6 ) months of training , the patients underwent the 6-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) and constant treadmill test at 3 km/hour speed and 10 % grade ; spontaneous physical activity was assessed by pedometers . All patients trained for coordination , flexibility and muscular strengthening for 30 minutes within the first 2 hours of hemodialysis sessions : 9 patients underwent home exercise walking training ( advised walking group [ AWG ] ) ; the other 9 patients underwent the advised home training program plus an additional supervised gym training session , twice weekly ( supervised walking group [ SWG ] ) . RESULTS In both AWG and SWG , no changes occurred during the control period ( 232 ± 204 m and 248 ± 187 m at T0 ) . In contrast , endurance performance at treadmill increased at T3 and T6 in the AWG ( 377 ± 272 m and 615 ± 413 m ; p<0.01 ) and in the SWG ( 424 ± 272 m and 890 ± 364 m ; p<0.001 ) . No unwanted side effects occurred . CONCLUSION This study shows that physical exercise programs can safely increase physical performance in hemodialysis patients . The training program should be continued for at least 6 months to increase muscle strength and endurance .  Intradialytic exercise and home-based , pedometer-based regimens may be a useful and easy approach , whereas supervised programs can give additional benefits in motivated , selected patients
Conclusions : Compared to age-matched population s , people with ESKD/HD had significantly slower GS and reduced walk distances ; with intervention , the change in the distance walked was significant .
Background : People with end-stage kidney disease ( ESKD ) on hemodialysis ( HD )  commonly have functional impairments .
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of HD on spatio-temporal characteristics of gait , and effect of exercise on these parameters .