The Effect of Practicing Leg Ergometric Exercises on Fatigue Level among Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Ergometric exercises are regarded as a straightforward physical activity that is both safe and beneficial in clinical practice among patients receiving dialysis. Ergometric exercise aids in boosting daily activity levels and reducing levels of fatigue. This study aimed to determine the effect of applying leg ergometric exercise on fatigue level among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Method: Design: This study used a quasi-experimental research design (study and control group). Setting: The study was carried out at the hemodialysis unit at National Medical Institute in Damanhour, El-Behera Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: The sample was selected by convenient sampling technique of 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis who were hospitalized in the previously selected settings and were randomly divided into two groups: control and study;50 patients in each group. Tools: Two tools were used. Tool I: Patient's Assessment Sheet and Tool II: Modified FACIT (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy) were used to collect data. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the study and the control groups pre & post-leg exercises implementation(P<0.001) and a reduction was found in total fatigue severity level among the studied patients in the study group post-leg exercises implementation. Conclusion:The present study concluded that leg ergometric exercise was particularly successful at lowering patients' levels of fatigue while they were receiving hemodialysis. Leg ergometric exercise is useful to hemodialysis patients and is considered safe, practical, and effective. Recommendations:The study recommended that Leg ergometric exercise programs should be implemented continuously and regularly for hemodialysis patients