Abstract

AIM:

This study explored whether an exercise programme for haemodialysis patients, including the use of a purpose built dialysis exercise machine, would improve quality of life (QoL), nutrition, physical function and biochemical indices.

METHODS:

Intervention was a 6 month individualised exercise programme, which was continued up to 12 months. QoL, and biochemical indices were measured at 6 months and nutrition was measured at 12 months. Physical function was measured at 4, 8 and 12 months.

RESULTS:

N=22. Improvement in physical function tests was found for the sit to stand (p = 0.005), step in place (p = 0.005) and arm curl (p = 0.05) tests from baseline to 4 months. We showed a decreased in serum phosphate (0.19 mmol/L p = 0.008), no change in other nutritional parameters and an increase in urea reduction ratio (1.6% p = 0.019) in the exercising group. The QoL health and physical functioning domain improved with increased significance (+3.5 p = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS:

The development of a structured exercise programme can improve quality of life, physical functioning, PO4 levels and urea clearances of dialysis patients.