Research

Mixed

Resistance training improves body composition, strength, and redox balance in older hemodialysis patients, but low baseline hemoglobin (<11 g/dL) specifically impairs fat-free mass gains.

If you are on hemodialysis, resistance training is highly recommended and can improve your strength, body composition, and blood markers. However, if your hemoglobin is low (below 11 g/dL), you may not see the expected muscle growth despite training hard. In this case, treating your anemia is likely a prerequisite for maximizing muscle gains from exercise.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Six months of RT in HD patients improved clinical parameters, such as hemoglobin, iron, body composition, and redox balance, while low hemoglobin concentration impaired exercise-benefits on fat-free mass in patients with CKD.
Victor da Silva et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2021

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial with a large sample size (n=157) and stratified analysis, though limited by lack of tissue biopsies.

Source

Impact of Low Hemoglobin on Body Composition, Strength, and Redox Status of Older Hemodialysis Patients Following Resistance Training

Victor da Silva et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2021

rct · n=157Cited 14×
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