Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee CH(1), Ng PP(1), Leung YM(1), Yeung HM(1), Cheng HM(1),Wong SY Agnes (2),Lee SH(1), Leung YY Candy(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Renal Unit, Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
(2)Physiotherapy Department, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
Introduction :
Long term haemodialysis has a catabolic effect on muscle. Muscle wasting contributes to diminishing physical functions and daily activities of haemodialysis patients. Decline in physical functioning has been related to low quality of life compared with normal individuals. A structured intradialytic exercise training serves as a creative intervention to modify the haemodialysis experience. Intradialytic exercise training program collaborated with physiotherapists was piloted in 2019.
Objectives :
To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured intradialytic exercise training on physical functioning and quality of life in haemodialysis patients.
Methodology :
A ‘Pre-test’ and ‘Post-test’ design was employed with participants(1) diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease requiring maintenance haemodialysis; (2) having haemodialysis treatment for more than 3 months; (3) medically fit for the program; (4) willing to participate. Supervised Thera band exercise was conducted in the first 30 minutes of haemodialysis. Quality of life and muscle function were assessed using KDQOL-36 health survey and handgrip strength.
Result & Outcome :
Six patients were recruited in the program, two patients were withdrawn because of safety concerns. Four participants had completed 8-week intradialytic exercise pilot program. The mean handgrip strength increased from 22.324 kg to 24.275 kg indicating improvement in muscle function. The physical and mental health components in KDQOL-SF 36 health survey showed a significant improvement from 34.01 to 47.31 and 36.99 to 54.08 with an improvement in the score of symptom relief from 71.88 to 82.81.
Conclusions:
A structured intradialytic exercise program was proven to be effective in improving the muscle function and quality of life in haemodialysis patients. Intradialytic resistance exercise was successfully adopted in renal unit of Princess Margaret Hospital to enhance quality of renal care. Intradialytic exercise should be further promoted to renal patients in the future.
