Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have found that kidney failure patients who engage in light exercise report better well‑being and are less likely to require hospitalization compared with peers who remain sedentary. This insight appears in NEJM Evidence.
When kidney function declines severely, many patients rely on dialysis several times weekly. Dialysis cleanses the blood by removing waste products and excess fluid, a lifeline for those with advanced kidney disease.
The study tracked nearly one thousand individuals across 21 dialysis centers in Germany. Over a year, half of the participants completed a program of at least one to three exercise sessions per week. Each session combined 30 minutes of aerobic activity using a stationary bike with 30 minutes of resistance training employing weights, resistance bands, and stability balls. The regimen was guided by movement specialists who adjusted the intensity to fit each patient’s abilities. The remaining participants continued their usual care, serving as the control group.
At the end of the year, those who followed the exercise program showed meaningful improvements in physical function. They could perform more repetitions, walked longer distances in a six‑minute walk test, and sustained a higher pace in the one‑minute sit‑to‑stand test compared with their baseline measurements. By contrast, the control group experienced declines in these functional metrics over the same period.
Healthcare utilization reflected these functional gains. On average, the exercising group spent about two days in the hospital during the study period, whereas the control group averaged five days. The data suggest that incorporating structured exercise into dialysis care may enhance daily functioning and reduce hospital admissions for this population.
Experts conclude that exercise programs should be made available to all dialysis patients as a routine part of treatment. Such programs can be tailored to individual capacity, with progression guided by qualified professionals to maintain safety while maximizing benefit.
The findings align with broader evidence showing that activity can support health outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease and in other populations facing high hospitalization risks. Researchers emphasize that even modest, well‑designed exercise plans can yield meaningful improvements in stamina, mobility, and overall quality of life for those on dialysis.