Acute effects of hemodialysis on physical function from the 6-minute walk test: A randomized and crossover experiment

Hemodialysis and cardiorespiratory fitness

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis is a component of renal replacement therapy used for patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, its impact on physical function, as assessed by the 6-minute walk test, remains uncertain. Objective: This crossover and randomized study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of hemodialysis on 6-minute walk test performance. Methods: Ten participants, half of whom were male, were enrolled. Participants were sourced from the hemodialysis unit of a renal institute, aged 18 or older, who had undergone hemodialysis for at least 1 month. Data on demographics and blood parameters were collected. The 6-minute walk test was conducted either before or after hemodialysis sessions, with walk distance and heart rate recorded. The cardiac efficiency index was calculated as the ratio of walking distance to heart rate. Results: Although no significant differences in heart rate were observed between pre- and post-hemodialysis sessions, a notable increase in walking distance was observed post-hemodialysis (19.4 ± 25.6 meters, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that acute hemodialysis can effectively enhance walking distance and cardiac efficiency during the 6-minute walk test in patients with end-stage kidney disease.