Recent estimates show that nearly 800 million people worldwide have some form of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many of these cases can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant to stay alive (Kidney Foundation). Specifically for kidney failure treatment, data suggest there are about 3.5 million people worldwide currently receiving dialysis, though the true number of people who need treatment may be much higher, especially in regions with limited access to care (Science Direct).
A common consequence of dialysis is fatigue, which makes patients less inclined to remain physically active. In addition, dialysis can lead to a decline in motor functions. That is why it is recommended to exercise during dialysis rather than afterwards. This helps to reduce fatigue and boredom during dialysis (SilverFit kidney dialysis white paper, 2020).
The SilverFit Mile offers a wide range of realistic routes from all over the world. Dialysis patients cycle from their bed or chair using a (Mini) Mobility Trainer during dialysis, while the realistic cycling routes provide extra distraction and motivation to exercise, which in turn increases adherence to treatment (SilverFit Mile White Paper, 2024).
In the dialysis department of the Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), many patients gratefully use the SilverFit Mile systems. The dialysis nurses are also enthusiastic about this addition to the department.
A dialysis patient at the CWZ says:
“It’s fantastic that such a device is available! Dialysis often means just staring ahead, but now I can move around. Cycling is good for my fitness and time passes much more quickly!”
References:
Science Direct. Global, regional, and national prevalence of kidney failure with replacement therapy and associated aetiologies, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X25001986
Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Global Facts: About Kidney Disease. Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/global-facts-about-kidney-disease
SilverFit. (2020) Exercising during kidney dialysis. SilverFit. https://www.silverfit.com/en/onderwerp/whitepaper-en/
Silverfit. (2024). SilverFit Mile. SilverFit. https://silverfit.nl/en/systems/silverfit-mile/#scientific
