Effect of Statewide Lockdown in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Levels of Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

<b><i>Background/Objectives:</i></b> On March 22, 2020, a statewide stay-at-home order for nonessential tasks was implemented in New York State. We aimed to determine the impact of the lockdown on physical activity levels (PAL) in hemodialysis patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Starting in May 2018, we are conducting an observational study with a 1-year follow-up on PAL in patients from 4 hemodialysis clinics in New York City. Patients active in the study as of March 22, 2020, were included. PAL was defined by steps taken per day measured by a wrist-based monitoring device (Fitbit Charge 2). Average steps/day were calculated for January 1 to February 13, 2020, and then weekly from February 14 to June 30. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 42 patients were included. Their mean age was 55 years, 79% were males, and 69% were African Americans. Between January 1 and February 13, 2020, patients took on average 5,963 (95% CI 4,909–7,017) steps/day. In the week prior to the mandated lockdown, when a national emergency was declared, and in the week of the shutdown, the average number of daily steps had decreased by 868 steps/day (95% CI 213–1,722) and 1,222 steps/day (95% CI 668–2300), respectively. Six patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. Five of them exhibited significantly higher PAL in the 2 weeks prior to showing COVID-19 symptoms compared to COVID-19 negative patients. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Lockdown measures were associated with a significant decrease in PAL in hemodialysis patients. Patients who contracted COVID-19 had higher PAL during the incubation period. Methods to increase PAL while allowing for social distancing should be explored and implemented.

COVID-19 Lockdown and Lifestyle Changes in Saudi Adults With Types 1 and 2 Diabetes

“…In line with the results of our study, many recent studies highlighted a significant increase in physical inactivity in both the general population and in individuals with chronic diseases during lockdown (51). Studies indicated that lockdown measures were associated with significantly reducing physical activity levels in chronic patients like those on hemodialysis (52). Others, like one from the United Kingdom, reported a significant decrease in physical activity during this lockdown in the general population (53).…”

The Impact of a Wearable Activity Tracker and Structured Feedback Program on Physical Activity in Hemodialysis Patients: The Step4Life Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“… 3 , 8 Although there is widespread interest in intervention delivery modalities, studies evaluating behavior modification incorporating feedback to wearable technology are in their infancy in HD populations. 8 , 9 , 18 In a study of 29 patients receiving HD, Williams et al 19 reported no difference in the number of steps between a feedback group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 14) (5,365 ± 2,765 vs 5,211 ± 2,010, respectively) over 5 weeks.…”

23rd International Conference on Dialysis: Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease 2021 (April 20–23, 2021, USA)

“…In their research article Han et al [2] analyzed the impact of lockdown and social distancing measures on physical activity levels of hemodialysis (HD) patients. HD patients are already at an increased risk of reduced physical activity and further limitation could be detrimental.…”