Effectiveness of Resistance Exercise Therapy on Patients' Physiological Status during Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Management disorder of vital signs remains a critical issue worldwide, particularly regarding hypertension in chronic renal disease (CRD), both of which are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) and renal events. Physical inactivity resulting in poor exercise capacity is a common consequence of chronic kidney disease and is associated with increased mortality in the general population. Nursing management for patients undergoing hemodialysis requires an experienced nurse who understands the types of complications. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of resistance exercise therapy on patients’ physiological status by utilizing a checklist of physiological parameters and comparing it with a control group. Patients and Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), using a double-blind technique, and it was conducted on patients divided into two groups (study and control groups). A total of 63 patients were included as follows: 32 patients for the study group and 31 patients in the control group. The patients were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and were undergoing hemodialysis. The patients were randomly assigned to receive exercise therapy under the supervision of trained therapists during the second hour of the three routine hemodialysis treatments per week and under the supervision of the researcher. The study took place in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf City/Al-Sadder Medical City and Al-Hakeem Hemodialysis Center. Results: The study results indicated an improvement in the physiological status of the study group compared to the control group. Conclusions: Exercise therapy effectively improves the physiological status of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.