Validation of physical activity measurement for people on dialysis treatment

Chronic illness frequently contributes to diminished levels of activity, a consequent increased dependence on health related support services and reduced quality of life. Surprisingly few studies have described activity among people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The current study examined the utility and validity of the Human Activity Profile (HAP) for describing activity in a sample of Australians with ESRD. A descriptive design supported the primary objective of validating the use of HAP for an Australian renal population. Data was collected from 65 adults with ESRD under the care of one regional and one metropolitan renal unit in Victoria. The HAP measures physical activity across a range of activities of daily living, including a dyspnoea scale. The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) describes activities associated with daily living in the areas of physical, psychological and independence. The HAP, SIP and a questionnaire summarising demographic and diagnostic details were administered while each person was undergoing dialysis and the results subsequently compared. This study demonstrates that HAP is a valid measure of activity levels for people with ESRD undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Additionally, scores on SIP and HAP indicate that this group have low levels of daily activity. These findings support the use of HAP in research to understand the activity levels of ESRD patients and the factors associated with decline.