Dietary intake of haemodialysis patients undertaking a supervised exercise program
Background: The nutritional status of haemodialysis has been the subject of intense scrutiny for many years. Protein energy malnutrition in dialysis patients is associated with cardiac co-morbidities, inflammation and is an indicator of survival (1).
A pilot physical activity program was undertaken in the Illawarra in 2005. The ‘RenalRobics’ program was designed for people with low fitness undertaking haemodialysis in-centre. All participants were prescribed an individualised exercise program of resistance exercises. As a component of entry to the program, all patients were assessed by a Dietitian.
Nutritional status was determined using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Appetite and Diet Assessment Tool (ADAT). These are validated tools for the haemodialysis population. (2, 3)
Results: 14 patients enrolled in the RenalRobics program. 6 patients have completed the program so far and were reassessed at 6 months.
Conclusions: All subjects were consuming adequate kilojoules and protein (as per CARI guidelines). A trend towards an increase in kilojoule and protein intake was observed but was not statistically significant. This may be due to the small number of patients who have currently completed the program and hence a lack of statistical power.
References:
1. Kopple, JD (1997), Am J Clin Nutr, 65:1544-1557.
2. Burrowes, JD and Powers, SN et al (1996), J Renal Nutrition, 6(4): 229-232.
3. Steiber, AL and Kalantar-Zadeh, K (2004), J Renal Nutrition, 14(4):191-200