How is Exercise Prescribed for Hemodialysis Patients? A Scoping Review Protocol

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to describe how exercise has been prescribed for hemodialysis patients. Introduction: Exercise interventions have received more attention from the nephrology community in the last few years. Despite some limitations in the findings, there is currently robust evidence suggesting that exercise is clinically important and provides benefits to hemodialysis patients. Even so, there is little evidence precisely detailing and describing how exercise can be prescribed and delivered for this population. Inclusion criteria: Based on the PCC framework, we will review and include evidence from hemodialysis patients (Participants); describing exercise interventions (Concept); in all settings and designs (Context). The evidence that included any other kidney replacement therapy other than hemodialysis will be excluded. Methods: This review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR. We will perform a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscuss, CINAHL, and LILACS databases without date or language restrictions from inception until December 2021. Websites, books, and guidelines from prominent societies and associations will also be searched. Experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, and protocol evidence from adults with chronic kidney disease ([≥]18 years) undergoing hemodialysis that prescribed exercise as an intervention will be considered. Two independent reviewers will screen title and abstract and perform the full-text review. Data extraction will be done by the main reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. Data characterizing the exercise interventions (e.g., type, setting, frequency, duration, intensity, volume, progression, periodization, professionals involved, etc.) will be extracted from selected evidence. The qualitative and quantitative results will be synthesized and presented in tables and figures along with a narrative summary.