Exercise before dialysis to protect heart function
Exercise Preconditioning to Protect Against Dialysis-induced Cardiac Injury in Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT06735378
This study is testing if doing cycling exercises before dialysis can help protect the heart and improve symptoms for people undergoing hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06735378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been on chronic hemodialysis for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients who engage in regular vigorous exercise outside of hemodialysis or have certain cardiac conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce heart failure rates in patients on dialysis.
How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in using exercise to improve cardiovascular outcomes in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
London, Ontario
- 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
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.
Conditions: Hemodialysis, Cardioprotection, Preconditioning Exercise