The effect of intradialytic exercise on biophysiological parameters and quality of life among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Oman: A comparative observational study

Abstract

Background: Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) often experience diminished physical function and exercise capacity, which can accelerate disease progression and further compromise their health. Research on the impact of Intradialytic Exercise (IDE) on the quality of life (QOL) for hemodialysis patients in Oman is limited.Objectives: This study aims to assess the effect of an IDE program on hemodialysis patients in Oman, focusing on both biophysiological parameters and QoL.Methods: We employed a comparative observational study design involving two groups: one participating in the IDE program and the other serving as a non-participating comparison group from the Al-Seeb dialysis center in Oman. Biophysiological parameters were retrospectively evaluated three months before and after the implementation of IDE. Additionally, mean arterial pressure was measured both prior to the start of the IDE program and again at six months. QOL was assessed post-IDE using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short-Form 36 (KDQOL-36) for both groups. Data collection took place from June 2021 to February 2022. We utilized descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and chi-square test, analyzing the data with SPSS® software version 23.Results: The study did not reveal any statistically significant differences in biophysiological parameters between the two groups (p=0.185). However, the exercise group demonstrated significantly higher scores on the physical component summary (M=59.86, SD=23.39) compared to the comparison group (M=44.86, SD=26.33, P=0.001). Although overall QOL scores and subscale scores were higher in the exercise group, these differences did not achieve statistical significance.Conclusion: This research sheds light on the effects of an IDE program on selected biophysiological parameters and quality of life among hemodialysis patients. While no significant differences were noted in biophysiological measures between the IDE group and the comparison group, improvements in physical health were evident, as indicated by higher KDQOL-36 scores in those participating in the exercise program.