Abstract

Purpose: Previous research has shown that physical activity during dialysis can improve adherence to exercise, improve physical performance, resulting in healthier outcomes. This case report aims to determine the effect of a structured intradialytic exercise program on post-dialysis fatigue and quality of life of a patient with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in an acute care setting.

Methods: The patient was a 43-year-old man with end stage renal disease who was admitted in an acute care hospital due to staphylococcus aureus septicemia. Prior to hospitalization the patient had been on hemodialysis for 3 years. Two weeks after admission, the patient was placed on the facility’s structured exercise program that was implemented concurrent with the patient’s dialysis session. He was treated three times during a seven-day period.

Results: The patient had stable vital signs throughout the entire episode of care, with the performance of the exercises neither hindering nor affecting hemodialysis. No increase in pain was reported. The patient’s fatigue perception using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) improved by 45% from initial report. The physical domain and the mental domain measures of Short Form 36 (SF-36) improved by 14% and 68% respectively, demonstrating an improvement in areas of general health and well-being.

Conclusion: The implementation of a structured exercise program resulted in positive benefits on perception of fatigue and quality of life in a patient with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in an acute care setting. The exercise regimen was implemented safely without any adverse reactions.

Keywords: Intradialytic exercise, end stage renal disease, physical therapy, acute care, hemodialysis