Dialysis Training Therapy: The DiaTT Trial

DiaTT is an interventional, cluster-randomized (1:1), multicenter trial for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (n=1,100). This trial will test the effectiveness (by change of sit-to-stand test between baseline and 12 months) of intradialytic exercise training (ET) and health literacy counseling (HLC) for 12 months (Intervention group) in comparison to control group (usual care, UC; no ET, no HLC).

The primary objective of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of intradialytic exercise training (ET) and health literacy counselling (HLC) over 12 months intervention in patients undergoing chronic outpatient hemodialysis as compared to usual care (UC). The primary endpoint is change in Sit-to-Stand (STS60) test, from baseline to after 12 months intervention. The ET consists of both resistance and endurance training, focusing on improving patients' health status and physical functioning. Health literacy counseling aims at improving education, proficiency and self-awareness of the patient. All patients undergoing hemodialysis in participating centers (clusters) for at least four weeks are eligible to participate in the study. Irrespective of randomized center (cluster) group assignment, all dialysis and overall medical treatments will remain unchanged and follow standard of care and center routine without adaptations to the training intervention.