In 2019, Graham-Brown and colleagues reviewed "Cardiovascular adaptations associated with exercise in patients on hemodialysis" (published in Semin Dial. 2019 Jul;32(4):361-367).
In a nutshell, they asked the question how aerobic and resistance training on dialysis and non-dialysis days affect the cardiovascular system in hemodialysis patients. Unsurprisingly, engaging in any physical exercise has a positive impact. Nevertheless, there are some differences one should take into account before deciding whether to exercise on dialysis or non-dialysis days (see below).
In addition, one ideally should include both aerobic exercises (e.g. to improve oxygen usage) and resistance exercises (e.g. to improve strength and functional capacity).
Personally, I try to do both, although leaning somewhat towards aerobic training as I enjoy it more.
Recently, I started to do 15-20 walks and some stretching at home before going to the dialysis center, hoping to counter the 4-5 hours of inactivity while undergoing hemodialysis. Are you engaging in regular physical activity? If not, be reassured that it is never to late to start, no matter how de-conditioned your life might be.
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