Exercise before dialysis to protect heart function
Official title: Exercise Preconditioning to Protect Against Dialysis-induced Cardiac Injury in Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT06735378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if doing cycling exercises before dialysis can help protect the heart and improve symptoms for people undergoing hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06735378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been on chronic hemodialysis for at least three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who engage in regular vigorous exercise outside of hemodialysis or have certain cardiac conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the effects of cycling exercise prior to hemodialysis on heart muscle contraction and potential cardiac injury. It will be the first randomized crossover-controlled trial to assess whether pre-dialysis exercise can reduce heart stunning and alleviate symptoms associated with hemodialysis. Participants will engage in intradialytic cycling, and outcomes will include heart function metrics and symptom severity. The findings could lead to exercise preconditioning being established as a therapeutic option for patients undergoing dialysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce heart failure rates in patients on dialysis.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in using exercise to improve cardiovascular outcomes in other populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * must be on chronic hemodialysis for at least 3 months * age 18 years or older * willing and able to provide informed consent * assessed to be safe and able to exercise by unit HD Nephrologist Exclusion Criteria: * regular vigorous exercise outside of hemodialysis * over 79 years of age * intradialytic exercise \< 3 months * poor echogenicity * acute coronary syndrome in the past 3 months * unstable arrhythmia/angina * shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity * symptomatic hypoglycemia (\>2x/week in the week prior to enrolment)
Where it's running
-
London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christopher McIntyre — London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Jarrin Penny, PhD, RN, CNeph (C)
- Email: jarrin.penny@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: 519-685-8500
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Repeated brief limb ischemia to see its effect on blood pressure and inflammation in people with kidney disease
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A small trial tests whether a 4-week mindfulness meditation program in addition to usual care can improve sleep quality and reduce stress and symptoms in adults on hemodialysis.
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Progressive muscle relaxation to ease depression and fatigue during hemodialysis
This trial will try whether guided progressive muscle relaxation can reduce depression and fatigue in people receiving hemodialysis.
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Multispecies synbiotic in people on hemodialysis
This pilot study tests whether a multispecies synbiotic can alter gut microbes and reduce gut-derived toxins in adults on maintenance hemodialysis over 12 weeks.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.