BACKGROUND: Muscle wasting and protein malnutrition is a common problem in hemodialysis patients and has different complications such as a reduced quality of life, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of intradialytic isometric training on muscle capacity and serum albumin levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: In a clinical trial, 34 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: exercise group (EX) (n = 17) and control group (n = 17). The training program was conducted twice a week for 2 months (24 sessions). Forearm endurance, leg raise endurance, and grip strength were measured for muscle capacity aspect and serum albumin levels, which were evaluated before and post-intervention. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic variables (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the muscle capacity variable presented a significant difference between the exercise group and the control group (p < 0.001). As for the albumin levels, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that exercise during hemodialysis could increase muscle capacity and could be helpful for maintaining the albumin levels in hemodialysis patients.

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