Adherence to the Exercise Program in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Haemodialysis at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background Chronic kidney disease CKD is considered as one of the current public health problems associated with increased mortality rates. People with CKD have a greater likelihood for decreased function and quality of life QoL. It is important to encourage and incorporate exercises and physical activity to maintain healthy and active life.Aim The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adherence to exercise programme by patients diagnosed with CKD undergoing dialysis and to identify potential barriers for the same.Methods The observational study was carried out in the dialysis unit of a tertiary hospital. A total of 42 patients undergoing dialysis as outpatients in the hospital were enrolled for the study. The baseline outcome measures of joint range of motion and maximum repetition rate MRR testing of the selected muscles were done. Strengthening exercises by using resistance bands were carried out during haemodialysis and a home exercise program HEP to be followed on the remaining five days of the week was taught to the patients. At the end of three months adherence to the exercise regimen was evaluated using a questionnaire.Results At the end of 12 weeks 52 of the patients adhered to exercises during dialysis and 48 adhered to HEP. Conclusion Adherence to strengthening exercise programme in patients undergoing haemodialysis as outpatients in a tertiary hospital was found to be average. It is clinically essential to take this adherence rate into consideration while prescribing exercise program for patients undergoing dialysis.