Do We Promote Physical Inactivity?; How Much Physical Activity do ESRD Patients Undertake?
Background: Reviewed literature supports the vital role healthy physical and emotional well-being plays in the impact of ESRD on the individual. The importance of physical function for those with ESRD has been supported by various studies in relation to exercise programs. However none of these have reported on baseline physical activity levels in comparison to general population age matched groups in the Australian context.
Purpose: This PhD study investigated self reported baseline physical activity levels for predialysis and dialysis patients.
Methodology: The sampling technique was purposive and convenient and represented the general population with ESRD. Study participants reported their participation in household activities and usual physical activity over past 3 months. The questionnaire was based upon the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults, and a modified Active Australia Survey Questionnaire (Armstrong et al 2000).
Results: Results were surprising and demonstrated that both the predialysis patients and dialysis patients undertake more weekly physical activity than the age matched average Australian, although this difference is not at a statistically significant level (< .05). However there is a significant decline in physical activity in dialysis patients over time.
Conclusions: The results of this study support the deconditioning which occurs in ESRD. The major recommendation from this small study is that physical activity and exercise should be encouraged within renal units to promote optimal perfomance of activities associated with normal daily living.