The effectiveness of relaxation exercises on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis study

Abstract

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of relaxation exercise on fatigue symptoms in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This is a meta-analysis study. The literature review was carried out by searching studies published between 2011 and 2020. This meta-analysis was recorded on PROSPERO in the National Health Research Institute (Registration no: CRD42022313646). RESULTS: Seven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The effect size of the studies included in the meta-analysis was found to be g=1.232 (p=0.028), which indicated a "huge effect size." The scale used in the subgroup analyses, the application time of the relaxation exercise, and the number of relaxation exercise applications were evaluated, and a significant difference was found at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: Relaxation exercises can be used as an effective method for reducing fatigue in hemodialysis patients.