Background: Subjective reporting, peak oxygen consumption, physical performance, and muscular strength tests are used to evaluate the physical functioning of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hemodialysis (HD) patients usually require support to carry out their regular daily tasks. Objective: The aim of the current study was conducted to validate the effect of aerobic exercise on physical functional performance after HD.
Patients and methods: A total of 30 male patients, aged between 30 and 60 years old, undergoing HD for 3 months were recruited. These patients were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group A (Study group) included 15 patients undergoing HD would receive aerobic exercises in form of (treadmill device), in addition to their medical treatment, andGroup B (Control group) included 15 patients undergoing HD would receive their medical treatment.Six Minutes' Walk Distance (6MWD) and Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (R-PFS)were compared between the 2 studied groups, together with the mean values of 6MWD and R-PFS in each group before and after the therapy.
Results: Test results showed that the study group's 6MWD statistically increased after treatment compared to before treatment, whereas the control group showed no such statistically significant improvement. After treatment, there was a significantly lower overall level of weariness in the study group compared to the control group (P=0.001). The mean overall weariness post-treatment for the study group was 2.58 (SD 0.81), while it was 5.8 (SD 0.37) for the control group. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise was an effective method in enhancing physical functional performance in HD patients.