Changes in physical functional performance and quality of life in hemodialysis patients in Taiwan: a preliminary...

To study the long-term changes in physical functional performance and quality of life in hemodialysis patients living in the community in Taiwan.

This prospective study monitored 27 ambulatory hemodialysis patients for 16 months living in the community in Taiwan. Physical capacity (6-minute walk test, grip strength, pinch strength and chair-rising time), maximal cardiovascular fitness test, functional performance (Functional Independence Measure) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were evaluated.

There were 17 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 61.3 (+/- 9.0) years. The results showed significantly decreased pinch strength (right hand: from 6.4 kg to 4.5 kg, p=0.009; left hand: from 5.6 kg to 4.7 kg, p=0.017) and decreased quality of life (from 89.5 to 85.3 for WHOQOL-BREF total score, p=0.026), especially in the domain of physical health and subcategories of concentrating ability, satisfaction with working ability and sex life, and "eating foods whenever wanted," over the 16-month period. Maximal cardiovascular fitness and functional performance remained stationary during the 16-month period.

Significantly declined pinch strength and quality of life, with maintained maximal cardiovascular fitness and functional performance, were noted in ambulatory hemodialysis patients over the 16-month period of follow-up. An intensive pinch strengthening program and overall improvement in quality of life for these patients is needed.