Effect of intradialytic exercise on fall occurrences in older patients undergoing hemodialysis: a single-center non-randomized study

Abstract Background Given rapid aging of the global population, preventing adverse events such as falls is essential for preserving functional capacity and quality of life among older adults, especially those at high risk due to hemodialysis (HD) treatment. We aimed to investigate the effects of a 3-year intradialytic exercise intervention on fall occurrence and physical performance in older patients undergoing HD. Methods Sixty-one patients were non-randomly assigned to the exercise ( n = 31) and control groups ( n = 30). The exercise group performed aerobic and resistance training during HD three times per week for 3 years. Handgrip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, 10-m walking speed, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores were assessed at baseline. Physical function was reassessed every year in the exercise group. All participants were followed up until the first fall or the end of the study period. Results There were no significant between-group differences in baseline data. Over a median follow-up of 35 months, 10 (16.3%) falls occurred, including 1 (3.2%) in the exercise group and 9 (30%) in the control group. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the exercise intervention significantly reduced the occurrence of falls. No significant differences in physical function were observed among four time points in patients who completed the 3-year program. Conclusion Intradialytic exercise may represent an essential intervention for preventing falls in older patients undergoing HD. Trial registration : This study was retrospectively registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN 00044821, February 4, 2021).