Effects of Intradialytic Exercise on Fatigue, Biochemical and Physiological Parameters among patients undergoing Hemodialysis in selected tertiary hospital, Chennai

Abstract

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are most likely to be physically inactive, and this is associated with several detrimental clinical outcomes. Fatigue and elevated metabolic markers are directly linked to decreased physical activity. Intradialytic exercise is a non-pharmacological treatment for hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), although it is rarely utilized in most hemodialysis centers. This study aims to evaluate the effects of an intradialytic exercise program (IDEP) on fatigue, biochemical and physiological parameters in hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, 40 patients from two dialysis centers were recruited and randomly assigned to 20 intervention and 20 control groups. Patients in the intervention group received IDEP education twice a week for 25 minutes each, while patients in the control group merely received standard care. Fatigue, biochemical, and physiological indicators were assessed at baseline and at various points after IDEP. While there was minimal change in the physiological and biochemical markers, such as potassium, urea, creatinine, and hemoglobin, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fatigue steadily decreased in the intervention group. The majority of patients in the control group reported no change in their degree of fatigue. In certain instances, the level of fatigue is increased.

Conclusion:  IDEP is a non-pharmacological, complementary, safe, and affordable treatment for fatigue that can be used during hemodialysis. The patient's level of fatigue will be decreased without requiring more time if IDEP is incorporated into routine therapy.