Inactivity and Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients

Physical functioning and physical activity are low in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (HD). One of the factors that lead to a further decrease in the activity of hemodialysis patients and its complications is the immobility of these patients during hemodialysis. This method of treatment forces patients to remain motionless for 4 hours on average 3 times a week. In addition, fatigue after dialysis also requires additional rest and immobility for about 2 to 6 hours. Sedentary behaviors are also common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (about 63%), and studies have shown that there is no significant difference between the physical activity level of PD and HD patients. In PD patients, in addition to reducing functional capacity and feeling extreme fatigue, the fear of dialysis fluid leakage, hernia and infection also causes a decrease in physical activity and an increase in inactivity in these patients. The lack of physical mobility and the resulting movement restrictions affect the patient's independence and ability to perform daily tasks, including self-care. In addition, the emotional and mental health of patients is greatly affected by these restrictions Inactivity sets off a vicious cycle in which energy imbalances can increase comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, depressive disorders, hospitalization rates, and disability. Each of these conditions aggravates the decrease in the quality of life and increases the mortality of patients. Quality of life is an important aspect of treatment outcomes and should be considered when evaluating the quality and effectiveness of renal care services. The quality of life in CKD patients and especially dialysis patients decreases under the influence of several factors such as weakness, disability, reduced functional capacity, anemia, malnutrition, impaired cognitive function, worsening sleep quality, increased depression, and the development of cardiovascular disorders The quality of life of renal patients and its social and emotional aspects are considered as the main determinants of these clinical outcomes. Decreasing the quality of life in hemodialysis patients and peritoneal dialysis patients decreases the survival and increases the mortality of these patients. Improving the quality of life should not only be considered as a therapeutic goal in itself, but should also be considered as an essential factor in reducing the number of hospitalizations and deaths of dialysis patients. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of HD patients as well as PD patients. Also this study will evaluate the effect of inactivity on quality of life, stratified by both dialysis modality and will compere the results in these two dialysis modalities.