Quality of life and exercise rehabilitation in end stage renal disease

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 (approximately 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.