Intradialytic physiotherapy in patients with chronic kidney disease: an experience report

Authors

  • Hellen Pedracini Gottardo Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml
  • Adrieny do Nascimento Borges Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml
  • Daniella Cristina de Assis Pinto Gomes Centro para Doença de Alzheimer, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Michelly Louise Sartório Alto´ér Toledo Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml
  • Flavia Marini Paro Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml
  • Halina Duarte Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml
  • Veronica Lourenço Wittmer Pascoal Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml
  • Marcela Cangussu Barbalho Moulim Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30712/47166

Keywords:

Chronic Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis, Physiotherapy, Exercise

Abstract

This article describes the activities of an extension project for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at a university hospital, developed by faculty members and undergraduate physiotherapy students. Initiated in April 2022, the project offers different exercise modalities during hemodialysis sessions, aiming to improve muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life, as well as to help prevent and control cardiovascular disease. Adult patients of both sexes with no contraindications to exercise were invited to participate in the program, which was conducted three times a week in sessions lasting up to 60 minutes. By December 2023, ten patients had been included, with a mean age of 39.90 ± 13.57 years; six were male. A total of 389 sessions were delivered, with a mean of 38.90 ± 14.35 sessions per patient. No adverse events were recorded during exercise, and the program was well accepted by healthcare professionals in the unit. This experience indicates that the program is safe and feasible, contributes to the academic training of the students involved, and may inform similar initiatives at other institutions.

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Author Biographies

  • Hellen Pedracini Gottardo, Federal University of Espírito Santo

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  • Adrieny do Nascimento Borges, Federal University of Espírito Santo

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  • Daniella Cristina de Assis Pinto Gomes, Centro para Doença de Alzheimer, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

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  • Michelly Louise Sartório Alto´ér Toledo, Federal University of Espírito Santo

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  • Flavia Marini Paro, Federal University of Espírito Santo

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  • Halina Duarte, Federal University of Espírito Santo

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  • Veronica Lourenço Wittmer Pascoal, Federal University of Espírito Santo

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  • Marcela Cangussu Barbalho Moulim, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    -

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Published

18-09-2026

Issue

Section

Artigos

How to Cite

PEDRACINI GOTTARDO, H. et al. Intradialytic physiotherapy in patients with chronic kidney disease: an experience report. Guará Journal, v. 20, p. e47166, 18 Sep.2026.