Skip to main content
. 2022 Apr 26;18(2):81–95. doi: 10.12965/jer.2244082.041

Table 3.

Considerations for blood flow restriction exercise in chronic kidney disease patients

Programming variables to consider Recommendation Notes
Resistance training First 2 months with 1–3 sets of 12 reps at 30% of 1-RM; Next 2 months with 2–3 sets of 10 reps at 40% of 1-RM; Last 2 months, 3 sets of 8 reps at 50% of 1-RM Six months of a periodized all body RT displayed to be a proper method to increase muscle strength, regulate inflammation, glucose homeostasis, decelerate the decline in glomerular filtration rate, attenuate renal deterioration, control blood pressure, autonomic function, and antioxidant defense for stage 2 CKD.
Aerobic training Cycling exercise, 20 min during the first 2 hr of HD. During the 3 first weeks use 60%–63% of maximal HR and 10–11 of RPE, progressing to 64%–76% of maximal HR and 12–13 of RPE. Kidney health professional should use the following criteria to interrupt BFR training for ESRD patients during HD:

  1. Exceeding 80% of the maximal

  2. HR and/or blood pressure above 200/110 mmHg or below 110/50 mmHg.

  3. Chest pain, dyspnea, wheezing, muscle cramps, mental confusion, visual disturbances, skin pallor or cyanosis.
% LOP Arms: 50%
Legs: 50%		 BFR training with 50% of LOP was effective as exercise alone in improving hemodialysis adequacy, comfort, and adherence. Thus, use of a validated doppler vascular device is necessary.
Frequency 2 to 3 x/week All patients should exercise under the individualized supervision of kidney health professionals.

RM, repetition maximum; RT, resistance training; HD, hemodialysis; HR, heart rate; RPE, rate of perceived exertion; CKD, chronic kidney disease; ESRD, end-stage renal disease; LOP, limb occlusion pressure; BFR, blood flow restriction.