Title

A supervised exercise program for dialysis patients: Effects of physical empowerment

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the benefits, limitations, and physical capabilities resulting from a structured fitness program. Design: The perceptions of the 43 hemodialysis patients participating during the 5-month term of the study were subjected to statistical evaluation to determine any evidence of relationships between age, length of time in dialysis, and employment status versus ability to perform daily exercises, fitness level, fatigue, and energy level. Setting: The clinic from which the patients were selected includes three dialysis treatment facilities located in Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Henry Counties of Virginia. The clinical records of the 320 patients undergoing dialysis therapy at the time were evaluated based on selected medical criteria, and 256 patients were invited to participate in the program. Patients: A total of 43 patients participated in the exercycle component of the program whereas 33 elected to exercise independently through an approved YMCA or other community recreation program. Because of the anticipated difficulty in monitoring compliance of the patients exercising independently, only the 43 patients participating in the exercycle component were followed throughout the full course of the study. Among the 43 exercycle participants, 34 completed the full period of observation; 2 patients died for reasons unrelated to the exercise program; and 7 patients discontinued participation. Intervention: The program emphasized frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise. The use of a stationary bike (exercycle) was selected as the method of evaluating patient progress resulting from the program. Main Outcome Measure: A questionnaire was administered pre-exercise and post-exercise program participation. Chi-squared analysis and percentages were used to assess the results of the study. Results: Although Kt V and hematocrit levels showed a trend toward improvement, it was not possible to definitively conclude this occurred as a function of participation in the exercycle component of the exercise program; and no statistically significant relationships attributable as study outcomes were identified. Conclusion: Improvements in Kt V and hematocrit levels suggested that a more extensive study with a substantially larger study group and a longer period of observation may yield more substantive and defining results. The small sample size of this study precluded definitive judgments. © 1997.

Publication Date

7-1-1997

Publication Title

Journal of Renal Nutrition

Volume

7

Issue

3

Number of Pages

149-154

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1051-2276(97)90066-2

Socpus ID

77949622289 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/77949622289

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