SAT-238 AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF LOW INTENSITY INTRADIALYTIC EXERCISES ON SERUM UREA, CREATININE AND FATIGUE OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

In CKD patients toxins accumulate in the muscles and cause fatigue, mental impairment and muscle dysfunction (cramps). Exercises result in opening of capillaries and increased blood flow thereby greater movement of urea and creatinine from the tissues to the vascular compartment and subsequent removal through dialysis. An experimental study of sixty-four CKD patients (32 in experimental and control group). Six low intensity intra-dialytic exercises (IDE) were implemented for experimental group using video demonstration at 90 minutes after initiation of HD repeated thrice at an interval of 10 minutes. Pre and Post HD serum urea, creatinine and fatigue levels assessed at baseline, 2, 4 and six weeks. Fatigue was measured using FACIT scale. Significant difference was found between the control and experimental group in serum urea, creatinine and fatigue levels (p=0.007, 0.001, 0.001) at six weeks post HD. Experimental group showed significant decrease in creatinine levels from baseline to six weeks (p=0.04). 97% of patients were compliant to low intensity IDE with patients feeling better and comfortable along with decrease in felt fatigue levels. No significant association between duration of illness, duration of maintenance HD and co-morbidities with serum urea, serum creatinine, serum and fatigue levels (p=0.5, 0.21, 0.78). Present study shows low intensity IDE performed regularly, were effective in decreasing serum urea, creatinine and fatigue levels of CKD patients undergoing HD with vital signs remaining within the normal range. No overt complications were reported; hence it can be said the exercises were also safe.