Physical activity levels of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND High levels of physical activity improve the prognosis and quality of life (QOL) for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The aims of this study were to measure physical activity using a pedometer and to explain the relationship between physical activity and clinical outcomes in HD patients. METHODS The study population comprised 38 patients (17 men and 21 women; mean age: 56.1 years; range, 41–69 years) who underwent HD 3 days/week. Physical activity was measured with a pedometer. The relationships between the clinical data and levels of physical activity were examined. RESULTS The mean number of steps taken per day for 1 week was 4,157.4 ± 2,068.1, and the mean value for all‐consumption calories per day for 1 week was 1,623.0 ± 240.5 kcal. The mean daily value for all‐consumption calories showed positive correlations with basal metabolic calorie and serum creatinine levels, as well as the Physical Functioning score in the Kidney Disease Quality of Life‐Short Form instrument (KDQOL‐SF), whereas it showed negative correlations with the levels of total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the cardiothoracic ratio. The mean calorie consumption by action, subtracting basic metabolism calories from all‐consumption calories, also showed positive correlations with the number of steps and the Physical Functioning score in the KDQOL‐SF, while it showed negative correlations with the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS The parameter of all‐consumption calories per day, measured with a pedometer, is useful for evaluating the levels of physical activity of HD patients and for formulating exercise recommendations.