EFFECTIVENESS OF INTRADILAYTIC STRETCHING EXERCISES ON THE LEVEL OF MUSCLE CRAMPS AND COMFORT AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread and universal health problem due to its increasing prevalence globally. Kidney function is essential and once it fails, life sustains with kidney dialysis or transplantation. Muscle cramps are the common complications observed among hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intradialytic stretching exercises in reducing or preventing muscle cramps among hemodialysis patients, Vellore.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the efficiency of intradialytic stretching exercises in decreasing muscle cramps to enhancing comfort, a randomized control study among the study group and control group.

Methodology: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test-post-test design was adopted with 60 hemodialysis patients. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted before and after the intradialytic stretching exercises.

Results: Before the intervention, 73.3% of patients experienced moderate muscle cramps, and 26.7% had severe cramps. After Post-intervention, 50% had moderate muscle cramps, and none reported severe cramps. Statistically significant outcomes were observed in the level of muscle crap and comfort level in comparison to the pre and post-test interventions.

Conclusion: Intradialytic stretching exercises are simple yet effective intervention to reduce muscle cramps and enhance comfort during hemodialysis and is recommended, the incorporation of these exercises will significantly improve the well-being of the patients.