Effect of chair stand exercise on activity of daily living: a randomized controlled trial in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE

Muscle atrophy and weakness impair activity of daily living (ADL). We examined whether chair stand exercise can improve ADL of hemodialysis patients.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A single center study.

SUBJECTS

Outpatients on hemodialysis older than 60 years (61-79 years).

INTERVENTION

Twelve weeks of intervention with chair stand exercise, 3 sessions/week versus the control exercise (stretch, 1 session/week).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was the change in functional independence measure (FIM) score from baseline. The secondary outcomes were changes in thigh circumference, muscle strength of quadriceps, 6-minute walking distance, maximum duration of chair stand exercise, health-related quality of life, cognitive function serum albumin, and hemoglobin.

RESULTS

Among the 27 patients who were randomized, 17 completed the study. The change in FIM from baseline was greater in the intervention group (1 [1-3] vs. 0 [0-0], median (minimum to maximum), P < .001) due to the significant improvement in the FIM subscales related to mobility (bed/chair/wheel chair) and locomotion (stair). Among the secondary outcomes, significant difference was noticed in the changes in thigh circumference and the physical component summary score of health-related quality of life by Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36v2).

CONCLUSIONS

Chair stand exercise improved ADL in the hemodialysis patients aged older than 60 years.