Effects of Improving Physical Activity Level on Quality of Life and Functional Status of Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) experience an improvement in physical activity, quality of life and functional status as a result of exercise training at home by motivation about benefi ts of exercising. MATERIAL and METHODS: Twenty-one PD patients of 46.7±14.1 years participated in the study. Participants were encouraged by a physiotherapist to walk for 30 minutes, 3 days a week and motivated by explaining benefi ts of exercising. We assessed quality of life by Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-Turkish Version (KDQOL-SF), functional status by Six Minute Walk Test (SMW), physical activity level by International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Long Form (IPAQ-LF). The antropometric measurements were performed with the bioelectrical impedance. Assessments were done at the beginning and 3 months later. RESULTS: Total physical activity score of IPAQ-LF increased signifi cantly 3 months later (p<0.05). There were no signifi cant differences in walking, moderate-intensity, vigorous intensity and sitting subscores of IPAQ-LF, SMW distance and anthropometric measurements (p>0.05). Improvements in pain and emotional score of KDQOL-SF were statistically signifi cant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Regular exercise should be allocated in the PD standard care. Participation of the patient into such a program could be possible by explaining the benefi ts of exercising at the beginning of the treatment.