Changes in the lifestyle among dialysis patients – a descriptive study

Abstract Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires dialysis treatment. This treatment changes patients’ lives, including limitations on physical activity. In this study, we highlighted the mobility aspects of patients’ lives compared to the control group (non-dialyzed). Materials and methods: Seventy-nine dialysis patients and 125 controls were studied. The study used an original questionnaire on socioeconomic status, physical activity, and lifestyle. All data were statistically analyzed between dialysis patients and controls divided into female and male groups. Results: Most of the dialysis patients were obese, and each had concomitant chronic diseases of other organs. Significantly lower levels of employment (p = 0.001 for women; p = 0.005 for men) and physical activity (p = 0.047 for women; p = 0.001 for men) were observed in dialysis patients compared with controls. Both groups had high motivation and knowledge about the health benefits of physical activity. However, dialysis patients had significantly more concerns about engaging in physical activity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dialysis patients are at risk for the negative consequences of occupational and physical inactivity. Healthcare professionals (physicians and physiotherapists) can take advantage of the high motivation of dialysis patients to overcome the fear of physical activity. Based on the current study and a previous study on the posture of dialysis patients, a universal set of exercises for dialysis patients has been created and is available on the YouTube platform: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng0sVOViQ-0&feature=youtu.be. The exercises can be done during dialysis and at home.