Effect of Stretching Exercise Applied to Legs during Hemodialysis on Fatigue and Discomfort: Randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Introduction: Hemodialysis patients often experience fatigue and muscular cramps, which can lead to a decrease in patient comfort. As supplementary therapy for the management of these complications, stretching exercises and warm/cold compresses applied to the limbs during hemodialysis treatments have been suggested

Aim of study: to evaluate the effectiveness of stretching exercise applied to the legs on fatigue and cramps

Methodology: This multicenter investigation was conducted in four Iraqi hemodialysis facilities. Patients receiving dialysis were divided into one of three groups using a randomized, parallel-group approach. legs was preceded by nothing (control group), applying exercise, or applying a warm compress to the legs. Each patient's level of weariness and cramping was measured throughout the course of two treatment periods. The Modification of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) scale was used to measure fatigue, while the Cramp questionnaire chart was used to measure cramps.

Result: 95 patients who consented to participate were included in the data analysis. When compared to pretreatment, the use of a stretching exercises were linked to lower fatigue and discomfort. When comparing the experimental group or groups to the control group, there was a statistically significant difference in fatigue and discomfort.

Conclusion: As study result stretching exercise effect positively on comfort  and fatigue, Intradialytic stretching exercises are simple yet effective intervention to reduce fatigue and enhance comfort during hemodialysis and is recommended, the incorporation of these exercises will significantly improve the well-being of the patients.