RESEARCH ARTICLE Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise is Better than Resistance Training Alone to Improve Functional Performance of Haemodialysis Patients — Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial † Rafael B Orcy 1 , Pamela S Dias 1 , Thamires LC Seus 1 , Franklin C Barcellos 2 & Maristela Bohlke 2 * 1 Physiotherapy School, Hospital Universitário São Francisco de Paula, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro 1123, Pelotas, RS, Brazil, 96020-220 2 Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitário São Francisco de Paula, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro 1123, Pelotas, RS, Brazil, 96020-220 Abstract Background and Purpose. This study aims to compare the effects of combined resistance and aerobic exercise with a resistance programme alone on functional performance among haemodialysis patients. Design. The design was a randomized controlled trial. Setting. The setting was the dialysis unit of a Brazilian university hospital. Patients. Haemodialysis patients were assigned to one kind of intervention or another. Intervention. The patients were assigned to receive the resistance exercise combined with an aerobic training or to maintain an ongoing resistance programme alone for a period of 10 weeks. Main outcome measure. The functional performance of patients was assessed before and after the intervention through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The difference over time of the 6MWT was compared between the groups through two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results. Thirteen patients were allocated for each group of intervention. The difference in distance walked before and after interven- tion in the combined training group was of +39.7 Æ 61.4 m, and the difference in the resistance training group was of À19.2 Æ 53.9 m, p = 0.02. Conclusions. Although the best protocol of exercise for patients on dialysis is not yet clear, in our sample of haemodialysis patients the combination of aerobic and resistance training was more effective than resistance training alone to improve functional performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Received 19 August 2011; Revised 11 March 2012; Accepted 24 March 2012 Keywords aerobic training; chronic renal failure; haemodialysis; physical activity; rehabilitation; resistance programme *Correspondence Maristela Bohlke, Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitário São Francisco de Paula, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Rua Canoas 1054, Pelotas, RS, Brazil, 96090130. E-mail: mbohlke.sul@terra.com.br † This article was published online on June 13, 2011. An error in one of the author’s name was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [October 30, 2012]. Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) DOI: 10.1002/pri.1526 Introduction The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide primarily as a consequence of the rise of diabetes mellitus and increased longevity of populations (Zhang and Rothenbacher, 2008). Renal disease is a complex chronic condition that has a signif- icant impact not only on the mortality rates but also on morbidity and hospitalization rates, physical function and independent living, employment and quality of life Physiother. Res. Int. (2012) © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.