Exercise program for patients with end stage kidney disease

A Simple Exercise Program for Patients With End Stage Kidney Disease to Improve Strength and Quality of Life: A Feasibility Study

NA · Ottawa Hospital Research Institute · NCT03787589

This study tests if an exercise program using Nordic Walking poles can help people with end stage kidney disease feel better while they continue their regular dialysis treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOttawa Hospital Research Institute (other)
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03787589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of an exercise intervention compared to standard care for patients undergoing chronic dialysis. Over a 12-month period, participants will use Nordic Walking poles, access online exercise resources, and receive monthly encouragement from dialysis staff. The study aims to assess patient recruitment, adherence to the exercise program, and its impact on important health outcomes. Both groups will continue to receive standard dialysis care throughout the trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are ambulatory adults with end stage kidney disease on dialysis for more than six months who can understand English or French.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to exercise or those who are not suitable for using Nordic Walking poles may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve physical health and quality of life for patients with end stage kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in dialysis patients, suggesting this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. All ambulatory adult patients with end stage kidney disease
2. Treatment with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis for greater than six months
3. Able to understand English or French
4. Abuse to use Nordic Walking poles
5. Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any absolute contraindication to exercise \[unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension (systolic or diastolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or greater than 110 mmHg, respectively), deemed not suitable for exercise by the treating physician\]
2. Baseline step count greater than 8000 steps a day
3. Planned living donor kidney transplant
4. Potential for recovery of renal function
5. Patients who feel unsafe using Nordic walking poles in place of their mobility aid
6. Participation in another interventional trial that may affect the results of this study

Where this trial is running

Ottawa, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Renal Failure, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Exercise

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.