Effectiveness of intradialytic leg ergometry exercise on fatigue and physiological parameters among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Introduction: ESRD is a silent killer which largely affects the quality of life. Hemodialysis is a main treatment modality for these patients. It leads to various complications like fatigueand alterations in physiological parameters. Intradialytic Leg Ergometry Exercise is an effective approach to reduce fatigue and for improving physiological parameters. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct the study. Patientswere selected by using convenience sampling technique and were allocated in experimental group and control group.Standardized Iowa Fatigue Scale (IFS) and self-structured Physiological Parameter Scale (PPS) were used to collect the data. Results: In experimental groupsignificant effect was seen inPretest-Posttestlevel of fatigue (t=7.70; p=0.00); calcium (t=2.53; p=0.02); pre dialysis systolic BP (t=3.76; p=0.00); intra dialysisdiastolic BP(t=2.70; p=0.01);post dialysisdiastolic BP(t=2.44; p=0.02); pre dialysis respiration (t=2.25; p=0.04); pre dialysis SpO2 (t=2.70; p=0.01) and post dialysisSpO2 (t=2.55; p=0.02). Between experimental and control groupsignificant results were found at posttestin the level of fatigue(t=6.44; p=0.00); pre dialysis pulse (t=2.79; p=0.00); post dialysis pulse (t=2.63; p=0.01); pre dialysis respiration (t=4.49; p=0.00); post dialysis respiration (t=4.03; p=0.00); intra dialysisSpO2(t=2.74; p=0.01) and post dialysisSpO2(t=3.20; p=0.00). Conclusion: Intradialytic Leg Ergometry Exercise is beneficial in reducing fatigue and improving physiological parameters of the patients undergoing hemodialysis in experimental group as compared to control group.