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). HRQoL has been shown to be significantly associated with mortality risk and hospitalizations.
Purpose: Renalrobics was a pilot resistance exercise program designed for people with ESRD on haemodialysis. The aim of this program was to improve the functional status of patients and to discover any impact on HRQoL.
Methodology: This was a collaborative research project involving the department of renal medicine in the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area health Service of New South Wales and the University of Wollongong. All participants were haemodialysis patients under the care of the Department of Renal Medicine at the Wollongong Hospital. Participants undertook a planned and supervised resistance exercise program whilst on haemodialysis. Assessments were done at baseline and 6 months. Variables assessed included exercise capacity and HRQoL. Assesssment tools utilized were: objective measures of exercise capacity, and the SF36.
Results: Results have been very positive and include an increase in exercise capacity, and major improvements in most categories of the SF-36 – especially vitality and social functioning. Exercise had a major positive impact on the individual’s HRQoL.
Conclusion: The exercise program has proven very beneficial to patients and their HRQoL and this will have an impact on the course and management of their ESRD