Abstract for presentation at Renal Society of Australasia Annual Scientific Conference

Background: The importance of physical function for those with ESRD has been supported by various studies. “Despite significant progress in technological aspects of renal replacement therapy and medical advances patients remain limited physically, which negatively impacts overall health, quality of life, and outcomes (Painter 2005, 218). Physical activity is to be encouraged in those with ESRD as the outcomes may have many positive benefits for patients and health care providers.
Purpose: This study was a pilot study of a planned and supervised exercise program for haemodialysis patients.
Methodology: The total pilot sample was 10 haemodialysis patients across two dialysis units. Each patient underwent a rigorous risk assessment which included a medical assessment and a general risk assessment for patients and the program. Each participant had various assessments at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Assessments included dialysis markers, HRQoL, nutritional status, and improvements in exercise tolerance. The totally resistance exercise program was developed collaboratively between medical, nursing and exercise science professionals.
Results: This presentation will present the results of this pilot program excepting the nutritional status (that is another abstract). Results have demonstrated promising results in relation to blood pressure control, HRQoL, and exercise tolerance. The early visible improvement experienced by participants provided motivation to continue with the program.
Conclusion: This pilot project provides information for the development of exercise programs into functioning haemodialysis units, and also highlights the benefits of a collaborative team approach to the development and implementation of this program.