Tai-chi versus stretching exercises to manage fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is one of the common complications of hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Tai-chi (TC) and stretching exercises (SE)on fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis. Methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was undertaken with42 eligible patients receiving unit hemodialysis in Iran. Patients were randomly assigned to the first intervention (I1) (n=14), second intervention (I2) (n=14) and control (C) (n=14) group. The standard Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) was completed at baseline and after 6 weeks else. In the I1group, SE was performed for 6 weeks and included 18 sessions for 40 to 60 minutes. In the I2group, TC was offered over 6 weeks and 18 sessions (40 to 60 minutes) were performed. During this period, the control group did not receive any training. Finally, the data were analyzed with SPSS Ver. 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference in fatigue score between the three groups (P>0.05). Post-intervention the fatigue score in the intervention groups was significantly lower than the control group. (P<0.05). Although the fatigue score decreased in both intervention groups, this decrease was more significant in I1 than I2 (p=0.01). Conclusions: SE and TC reduced fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis in this study. Therefore, considering the simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of these methods, it is suggested they are implemented for use in hemodialysis units. Trial registration: The present study was registered on 06/04/2019 in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT20161223031522N10).