Physical Therapists Roles in Renal Rehabilitation of Elderly Hemodialysis Patients: Two Case Studies

Abstract

Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the roles of physical therapists in renal rehabilitation for elderly hemodialysis patients based on two case studies. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were two patients receiving hemodialysis (a 76-year-old woman and a 74-year-old man). For the method, we analyzed data collected from two case studies.[Results] The results suggest that physical therapists have four roles in renal rehabilitation for elderly hemodialysis patients: improvement of physical function through therapeutic exercise, support for behavior modification, management of physical activities, and implementation of social work for rebuilding of life. [Conclusion]The results of this study suggest that physical therapists have four roles in renal rehabilitation for elderly hemodialysis patients.