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Volume 15, Number 4, pages 22 - 29

Quality of Life and Exercise Rehabilitation in End-Stage Renal Disease

by Carrie D. Kolewaski, M. Christina Mullally, Trisha L. Parsons, Margo L. Paterson, Edwin B. Toffelmire, Cheryl E. King-VanVlack

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the perceptions of individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) regarding their physical, emotional, and social well-being after having participated in an eight-week hospital-based intra-dialytic exercise program. Individual semi-structured interviews (~ 60 min. duration) were conducted with hemodialysis (HD) patients (n=7) during their regular dialysis sessions, two weeks immediately following the completion of the exercise program. Interviews were audio- taped, transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Data management was assisted by NVivo software. Using the interpretive paradigm, three primary themes emerged: improved performance in activities of daily living (ADL), positive change in HD experience, and enhanced sense of control. Participants reported an overall positive experience with the intra-dialytic exercise program and felt that their quality of life was enhanced to such an extent that they would choose to continue exercising while on HD.

Author Affiliation(s): Carrie D. Kolewaski, MSc(OT), BSc OT(C), OT Reg (Ont), MSc Candidate, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.

M. Christina Mullally, MSc(OT), BSc OT(C), OT Reg (Ont), Registered Occupational Therapist, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario.

Trisha L. Parsons, PhD, BSc(PT), Registered Physical Therapist, Clinical Facilitator, Physical Therapy Department, Lennox and Addington County General Hospital, Napanee, Ontario.

Margo L. Paterson, PhD, MSc, BSc(OT), OT Reg (Ont), Associate Professor and Chair, Occupational Therapy Program, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.

Edwin B. Toffelmire, MDCM, MSc, BSc, FRCPC, FACP, Head, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario.

Cheryl E. King-VanVlack, PhD, MSc, BSc, Associate Professor and Chair, Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.

Address correspondence to Cheryl King-VanVlack, e-mail: kingce@post.queensu.ca