Combination of AROM with deep breathing exercise against fatigue and quality of life of hemodialysis patients; an experimental study

Introduction: In hemodialysis patients, the main problem that often occurs is experiencing fatigue. Untreated fatigue conditions have an impact on decreasing quality of life. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to analyse the effect of the combination of AROM with deep breathing on fatigue and quality of life in the Jemursari Islamic hospital of Surabaya. Patients and Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental investigation with a pre-post-test control group design. The population was 244 of all hemodialysis patients at our hospital. The research sample was 220 respondents, 110 respondents in the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group was given a combination of active range of motion (AROM) and deep breathing exercises for 30 minutes daily for one month. Meanwhile, the control group was assigned training according to hospital procedures. Results: The results showed that almost all of the intervention group (96.4%) had mild fatigue and almost half (40%) had good quality of life. In the control group, most participants (54.5%) experienced severe fatigue, and most (53.6%) experienced a poor quality of life. Data analysis showed that the combination of AROM with deep breathing affected hemodialysis patients’ fatigue and quality of life (P =0.000), which means that the combination of AROM with deep breathing affects the fatigue and quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: A combination of air exercise regularly can reduce fatigue levels and improve quality of life. Nurses can provide a combination of AROM with deep breathing exercises in hemodialysis patients as an exercise program for hemodialysis patients.