Cycling during hemodialysis to reduce heart issues
Trial of Intradialytic Cycling as Kidney Exercise Rehabilitation for Cardiac Stunning in Hemodialysis (TICKERS-HD)
This study is testing if cycling during hemodialysis can help improve heart function and reduce heart problems in adults with end-stage kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Adelaide, South Australia and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04877041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a 12-week cycling program conducted during hemodialysis sessions on myocardial stunning in adults with end-stage kidney disease. Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis often experience fatigue and increased risk of cardiac complications due to ischemic cardiac injury during treatment. By utilizing echocardiography, the study aims to assess how intradialytic aerobic exercise can mitigate these cardiac issues and improve overall patient outcomes. Participants will engage in cycling while receiving hemodialysis to evaluate its impact on heart function and related symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been on maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months and are assessed as safe to exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, unstable arrhythmias, or severe shortness of breath may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce cardiac complications and improve quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that intradialytic exercise can reduce myocardial stunning, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults greater than or equal to 18 years old (no upper age limit); who are greater than; 3 months after starting maintenance hemodialysis * No expected change in dialysis modality, elective surgery or relocation outside of study site during the intervention period (16 weeks) * Assessed to be safe and able to exercise by the hemodialysis unit nephrologist * Able to communicate in English and provide written informed consent * Must be dialyzing thrice weekly Exclusion Criteria: * Acute coronary syndrome in the past 3 months * Unstable arrhythmia * Shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity (NYHA Class 4) * Symptomatic hypoglycemia (\>2x/week in week prior to enrolment) * Participating in clinical intradialytic cycling program in last 3 months (if a clinical program exists)
Where this trial is running
Adelaide, South Australia and 5 other locations
- University of South Australia — Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Recruiting)
- University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Completed)
- University of Alberta Department of Internal Medicine — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- St. Pauls Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Completed)
- University of Manitoba Department of Internal Medicine — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Completed)
- Western University — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Clara Bohm, MD, MPH — University of Manitoba
- Study coordinator: Clara Bohm, MD, MPH
- Email: cbohm@sogh.mb.ca
- Phone: 204-631-3834
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.