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Introduction: Intradialytic exercise is essential for improving physical function for older patients. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the effects of exercise therapy and aging. Methods: This multicenter cohort study included 1176 patients aged 40–89 years, who participated in an intradialytic exercise program, comprising stretching and resistance training, three times per week for 12 months. Isometric knee extension strength (IKES), 10‐m walking speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. The patients were divided according to age as follows: 40–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years. A linear mixed‐effects model examined the improvement within‐group and between‐control differences, as the 40–59 age group was the control group. Findings: The 40–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 age groups comprised 180, 317, 466, and 213 participants, respectively. Within‐group differences, all the age groups significantly improved IKES and SPPB. The 10‐m walking speed [0.02 (0.02) m/s] and GNRI [0.38 (0.33)] did not improved only in the 80–89 age group despite other age groups significantly improved. Between‐control differences, IKES of the 70–79 age group [−0.24 (−0.42 to −0.06) %] was significantly lower improvement than control. GNRI of all the older groups were significantly smaller improvement than control (p < 0.05). Discussion: The older group demonstrated difficulty in improving walking ability and nutritional status compared with the younger groups. Clinicians need to consider the difference in effectiveness due to age and prescribe intradialytic exercises accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is commonly observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis. PAD impairs the vasculature and leads to pathophysiologic changes in the skeletal muscles, causing physical function impairment and physical inactivity in general. However, it is unclear whether PAD adversely affects physical function and physical activity in patients on hemodialysis. Methods: We performed a cross‐sectional study with a retrospective review of the data to determine whether PAD is associated with impaired physical function and physical activity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study population comprised 310 patients and 88 healthy subjects. PAD was diagnosed based on an ankle‐brachial index of <1.00 in patients on hemodialysis. Measurements of physical function included maximum walking speed, muscle strength in the lower extremities, and balance while standing. Findings: Of the 310 patients, 84 (27.1%) had PAD. When patients undergoing hemodialysis were divided into those without PAD and those with PAD, both groups had poorer physical function and physical activity than the healthy control subjects. After adjustments for potential confounders, it was found that patients on hemodialysis with PAD had slower walking speed, poorer standing balance, and less physical activity than those without PAD. However, there was no significant difference in lower extremity muscle strength between the two groups. Discussion: PAD diagnosed based on an ankle‐brachial index of <1.00 was independently associated with impaired physical function and reduced physical activity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]