Improving physical functioning in the elderly dialysis patient: relevance of physical therapy

Compromised physical functioning is characteristic of medically complicated patients on dialysis, but many of these deficits can be addressed by rehabilitation. This article describes the benefits and limitations of a 3-month physical therapy pilot program at an inner-city hemodialysis clinic. Program results indicate the difficulties in keeping patients participating in such a program, but, for those patients who did regularly participate, on-site physical therapy consultation was valuable in assisting staff to identify exercise regimens that were consistent with individual patients' needs and addressed their functional difficulties.