Exercise and Hemodialysis

In the Journal of Renal Nutrition a study was released on the exercise habits of hemodialysis patients. The study looked at the availability of exercise programs and the perceived benefits and barriers to exercising with hemodialysis. Below are the results of the study.

As with any group of people, having resources available and the perceived benefit of an activity plays a huge role in influencing if someone chooses to participate in an activity. The study referenced above showed that this reality is not any different for maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.

Getting individuals that are on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) to engage in exercise can be challenging, but it's incredibly rewarding it many physical and psychological ways. The key to getting this group of individuals to participate lies in exercise resources and patients' attitudes towards physical activity. Surprisingly, not much research has explored the accessibility of exercise programs, patients' perceptions of exercise, or their fitness routines. This study set out to investigate these very aspects: the availability of exercise programs, patients' views on exercise, their workout habits, and how these elements interconnect.

The study surveyed 722 MHD patients from 74 different dialysis centers. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, providing insights into their demographics, exercise habits, and thoughts on exercise using the Dialysis Patient-Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (DPEBBS). The study also examined whether these dialysis centers offered exercise programs. The data was analyzed using independent sample t-tests, linear mixed models, and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Only 23.0% of the dialysis centers offered exercise programs. However, an impressive 65.7% of participants reported regular exercise when offered these programs. Not surprisingly, there was a strong correlation between the presence of exercise programs and higher DPEBBS scores. As expected, MHD patients with higher DPEBBS scores, meaning they perceived greater benefits from exercise, were more likely to engage in regular physical activity. Additionally, patients from centers with exercise programs were significantly more likely to exercise than those from centers without them.

With less than a quarter of dialysis centers providing exercise programs and the results of this study showing that if programs are available people are more inclined to participate in exercise programs for MHD patients, it's evident that more programs are urgently needed. MyRenalRehab.com is and excellent resource for programs to address this need. Healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize the implementation of exercise programs, enhance patients' perceptions of exercise, and remove barriers to increase physical activity among MHD patients.

1. Availability of Exercise Program, Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers, and Exercise habits in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

   Hu, Huagang et al.

   Journal of Renal Nutrition, Volume 0, Issue 0