J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2017 Dec;23(3):388-397. 10.22650/JKCNR.2017.23.3.388.

Effects of the Lower Limb Muscle Strength Exercise Program during Hemodialysis on the Leg Strength and Falls Efficacy of Hemodialysis Patients

• Park JE
• Han HS
• Lee KH

• KMID: 2405628
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2017.23.3.388

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the lower limb muscle strength exercise program during hemodialysis on the leg strength and falls efficacy (fall-related self-efficacy) of hemodialysis patients.
METHODS
The study was designed to be a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group pre and post test design. A total of 42 patients participated in the study. We applied lower limb muscle strength exercise program to the experimental group in every hemodialysis three times a week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using χ² test, fisher's exact test, t-test and repeated measures ANOVA.
RESULTS
The mean age was 58 years old (t=−1.54, p=.132), the mean hemodialysis period was 67 months (t=1.949, p=.058) and there was no significant difference of dependent variable (t=1.17, p=.251)(t=−.89, p=.381) between the two groups before the experiment. After the experiment, leg strength was significantly improved in the experimental group compared to that of the control group (F=6.63, p=.004). However, falls efficacy was not significantly different between the experimental group and the control group (F=2.33, p=.104).
CONCLUSION
The study results indicated that the lower limb muscle strength exercise program during hemodialysis may improve leg strength and potentially to prevent falls for hemodialysis patients. Further studies are warranted in which larger number of participants and longer duration of intervention are recommended.

Keyword

Renal Dialysis; Exercise Therapy; Muscle Strength; Accidental Falls; Self Efficacy

MeSH Terms

Accidental Falls*
Exercise Therapy
Humans
Leg*
Lower Extremity*
Muscle Strength*
Renal Dialysis*
Self Efficacy