End stage renal disease is associated with reduced functional capacity. Dynamic exercise training i.e. cycling, performed between dialysis sessions or during dialysis (intra-dialytic) can be effective in improving functional capacity and quality of life. However, many patients are unable to engage in intra-dialytic cycling due to limiting comorbidities. Other exercise modalities should be considered. Low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation of the quadriceps is well tolerated and may improve functional capacity in clinical populations.~The trial is a longitudinal, randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated to 10 weeks of 1) intra-dialytic low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation, 2) intra-dialytic cycling, or 3) usual care haemodialysis without exercise training. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 10 weeks by assessors blinded to group allocation.
The purpose of the trial is to compare the effects of intra-dialytic low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation and intra-dialytic cycling, with usual care haemodialysis without exercise training.