Light exercise during dialysis has been linked to improved physical functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney failure, according to a study published in NEJM Evidence.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Technical University Munich in Germany, involved 917 patients who were randomly assigned to either an exercise intervention group or a usual care group. After 12 months, the exercise group showed improvements in various physical tests, including the sit-to-stand test, the timed up-and-go test, and the six-minute walk test. Additionally, the exercise group had better scores in the physical summary and vitality subscales of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. The exercise group also spent fewer days in the hospital compared to the usual care group. No differences were observed in mortality or dialysis-specific adverse events between the two groups.

This study provides evidence that incorporating light exercise during dialysis can have significant benefits in terms of physical functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney failure. It shows that even a relatively simple exercise intervention can lead to improvements in various physical tests, which are important indicators of overall physical health.

The findings of this study are particularly noteworthy because they suggest a simple and cost-effective way to improve health outcomes for patients undergoing dialysis. By engaging in light exercise during dialysis, patients can potentially reduce hospitalizations and improve their overall physical health. This not only benefits the patients themselves but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system.

The Bottom Line:

Incorporating light exercise during dialysis can lead to improved physical functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney failure. This simple intervention can reduce hospitalizations and improve overall health outcomes.

Key Points:

– A study published in NEJM Evidence found that light exercise during dialysis improved physical functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney failure.
– After 12 months, the exercise group showed improvements in various physical tests, including the sit-to-stand test, the timed up-and-go test, and the six-minute walk test.
– The exercise group also had better scores in the physical summary and vitality subscales of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey.
– The exercise group spent fewer days in the hospital compared to the usual care group.
– No differences were observed in mortality or dialysis-specific adverse events between the two groups.

Source Article: https://www.drugs.com/news/light-exercise-during-dialysis-tied-improved-physical-functioning-114012.html