The Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Training on Physical Performance, Sleep Quality, and Pain in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Hemodialysis may impair physical performance, disrupt sleep, and exacerbate pain. The present research sought to investigate and compare the impacts of aerobic and resistance training on muscular endurance, muscle strength, static balance, physical performance, sleep quality, and pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Fifty-one patients undergoing hemodialysis were randomly assigned to a control (CO), resistance training (RT), or aerobic training (AT) group (n = 17 per group). Resistance training was conducted three times per week for eight weeks using 0.5–2 kg sand weights. Aerobic training was performed in three 20-minute sessions per week for eight weeks. Study variables were assessed at both the baseline and after the intervention. Statistical analyses were carried out in SPSS version 25 using a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: Both RT (P = 0.001) and AT (P = 0.008) groups showed significantly greater improvements in muscular endurance than the CO group. The RT group demonstrated greater improvements in muscular endurance than the AT group (P = 0.005). Both RT and AT groups showed significant improvements in muscle strength compared with the CO (P = 0.001). The AT group demonstrated greater improvements in muscle strength than the RT group (P = 0.04). Both RT and AT groups showed significant improvements in static balance (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively) and physical performance (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Significant improvements in sleep quality were observed in the RT (P = 0.001) and AT (P = 0.004) groups compared to the CO. Conclusion: Both RT and AT programs effectively improved physical performance and sleep quality in patients undergoing hemodialysis.