Effects of Supervised Exercise Training on Erythrocyte Deformability in Hemodialysis Patients

This study evaluated red blood cell function and aerobic capacity in adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis and in healthy reference participants. Participants receiving hemodialysis were included in either a supervised exercise training group or a usual-care group. The supervised exercise program combined resistance and aerobic exercise performed before hemodialysis. Participants in the exercise group completed repeated assessments across a non-exercise observation period, exercise training, and post-training follow-up. The usual-care group continued usual care without supervised exercise training, and healthy participants served as a reference group. Assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise testing and blood sampling to evaluate aerobic capacity, red blood cell deformability, and red blood cell characteristics related to membrane function, cell shape, oxidative stress, and calcium-related responses.