Evaluation of exercise training on work capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Patients with chronic renal failure are restricted in their physical and social aspects of life because of their treatment and comorbid medical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise training program on functional work capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with renal failure on hemodialysis. Thirty patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis participated in a regular exercise training program three times/week for 12 weeks. Each exercise session consisted of a warm up, cycle or trade mill exercises, stretching exercise, and cool down. All patients were subjected to a cardiovascular graded exercise tolerance test, the sit-to-stand-to sit test, and the 6-min walk test. A questionnaire was used to assess the QOL of the study group 1 week before and after the exercise training program. Fifteen normal individuals, age and sex matched with our patients, were used as controls to compare the respiratory function. There was a significant improvement in work capacity before and after the training exercise program, respectively (7.24 ± 0.90 to 9.62 ± 1.1; P < 0.001); also, there was a highly significant improvement in functional mobility. The QOL had improved after the exercise training program on four of five scales of the 36 questionnaire. A suitable exercise training program is essential for improvement of work capacity and mobility, and improvement of psychological status and QOL.