Abstract
Background : Advances in hemodialysis (HD) therapy and medical treatment have increased the life expectancy of patients with chronic renal failure, and attempt to enhance activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) with the prolongation of HD duration. Purpose : The present study investigated the relation between physical function and the duration of HD treatment in patients with chronic renal failure. Methods : Seventy-three patients with chronic renal failure (62±11 y) who have regularly received HD therapy entered the present study, and were classified into three groups ; group A (HD duration<5 y), group B (5 y≤HD duration<15 y) and group C (15 y≤HD duration). Clinical characteristics including age, dry weight, body mass index, blood hematocrit and hemoglobin, serum albumin, and physical activity were assessed and symptoms concerning QOL and ADL score were investigated using KDQOL-SF™ version 1.3. Straight leg raising, isomeric knee extension strength, handgrip strength, functional reach and maximal gait speed were measured as the parameters of physical function. Statistical analysis was performed using the analysis of covariance, and P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results : The handgrip strength was significantly lower in group C than that in group A (p<0.05). The maximal gait speed was significantly lower in group C than that in groups A and B (p<0.05, respectively), when it was corrected by age and physical activity as a covariate value. Conclusion : These findings suggested that the physical function of HD patients gradually declines with the prolongation of HD duration.
