Exercise rehabilitation for elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis

For elderly hemodialysis (HD) patients we designed an original exercise rehabilitation program and investigated its effects. The findings of a two years study in 13 elderly HD patients who participated in a gymnastics program at least twice a week were compared with those in 6 control subjects. In the exercise group, VO₂ at ventilatory threshold (VT) increased from 9.7±1.4 ml/min/kg to 10.3±1.4 ml/min/kg after one year, grip strength increased from 20.5±5.2 kg to 23.8±5.7 kg, and flexibility improved from 1.8±9.6cm to 3.9±9.9 cm by sit-and-reach test after two years. The changes of the three indices in the exercise and the control group were significantly different using two way repeated ANOVA test. With the improving of the instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) score, the number of patient with prolonged hospital stays more than 6 months decreased steadily in the patients group after they started the exercise rehabilitation program. Initiation of exercise rehabilitation in elderly HD patients can improve their IADL and gradually improve their physical fitness over the long term.