MedifocusHealth

Despite progress in the technological aspects of treatment for end-stage renal disease, people receiving dialysis tend to be limited in their ability to perform physical exercise, with levels of exercise capacity at 60-70% of others their own age. Dialysis patients often report limitations in many daily and leisure activities, including walking, bending, kneeling, grasping and carrying objects, as well as a decline in sexual activity. This negatively impacts overall health, quality of life and general outcomes. Skeletal muscle atrophy is a significant contributor to the problem. Physical activity, resistance training, and aerobic exercise may have positive benefits on multiple factors for patients with renal disease, especially those receiving dialysis.

The benefits of physical exercise include:

• Maximizing physical, mental and social functioning
• Improvement or restoration of physical condition
• Enhanced psychological well-being
• Improvement in self-esteem
• Maximizing independence in daily activities
• Enhancing ability to continue active participation in roles at home and work
• Reduction of modifiable health risks
• Reduction in illness and need for hospitalization

It is important to talk with you health care provider so that an appropriate, individualized exercise program can be developed for you. The program should be realistic, beginning slowly with gradual progression. It should also be interesting and enjoyable. Programs may vary from walking, to chair exercises, to resistance strength training.