Overview

This study will be conducted over a 3 year time period. This is a trial of an exercise intervention vs. standard of care in patients receiving chronic dialysis. The specific aims will be to determine feasibility of patient recruitment, adherence to the exercise program, and efficacy of the intervention on patient important outcomes.

The exercise intervention will be delivered to randomized participants for 12 months, and consist of the prescribed use of Nordic Walking poles, online resources for exercise in the home, regular use of a pedometer to monitor progress, and regular verbal encouragement to exercise (monthly) by dialysis unit staff. Both groups will receive the same standard of care co-interventions including individualized dialysis prescriptions and health-care interactions according to practices at their centre.

Eligibility

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