Abstract: Objectives To explore the effects of intradialytic progressive resistance training on cardio-respiratory endurance, psychological state, and health- related quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods The MHD patients in this study were recruited from our dialysis center. At the baseline and after the intradialytic progressive resistance training for 12 weeks, peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) and metabolic equivalents (METs) using treadmill exercise of Bruce sport program were measured. In addition, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and health-related quality of life (short form-36 health survey, SF-36) were completed. We then compared these parameters and statistically analyzed the data before and after the resistance training. Results After the intradialytic progressive resistance training, VO2peak increased by 57.93% (P＜0.01), METs increase by 56.77% (P＜0.01), SAS score decreased by 8.60% (P＜0.05), SDS score decreased by 20.19% (P＜0.01), SF-36 scores for physical function, general health and vitality increased by 47.83%, 72.58% and 47.37%, respectively (P＜0.05). Conclusion Intradialytic progressive resistance training significantly improved cardio-respiratory endurance, psychological
state, and health-related quality of life in MHD patients.

Key words: Intradialytic progressive resistance training, maintenance hemodialysis, cardiorespiratory endurance, psychological state, Health-related quality of life.