Abstract
We evaluated the life activities of chronic hemodialysis patients using a pedometer (Mampo Meter®). The patients were divided into three groups based on the number of steps a day registered on the pedometer. Group I: 13 patients with fewer than 3000 steps per day on both dialysis and non-dialysis days. Group II: 11 patients with fewer than 3000 steps on either dialysis or non-dialysis days. Group III: 23 patients with over 3000 steps on both dialysis and non-dialysis days.
Patients in Group I were significantly older and had undergone significantly longer periods of hemodialysis treatment than those in the other two groups. There were significantly more patients who passed normal stools regularly and easily without laxatives in Group III than in the othero two groups. No significant differences were noted with respect to sex, original disease, occupation, body weight gain between successive dialysis, Ht and CTR.
Sixteen patients were selected from group I and II for excercise conditioning using a pedometer. Each patient was given a goal of daily steps by his/her nurse every week, and the actual steps were checked and recorded. After 3 and 6 months of exersise conditioning, daily steps had increased from 1852±1018 (mean±SD) to 2946±1280 and 3407±1156 on dialysis days, and from 2869±1590 to 4480±1940 and 5098±2762 on non-dialysis days. Although there were no significant changes in the dose of laxatives, degree of water intake, body weight gain between successive dialysis, Ht, CTR, T. Chol, TG or blood pressure after the course, beneficial effects on physical and emotional status such as regained confidence in physical strength, onset of sweating, improved defecation and increased frequency of social contacts with other people were noted in over half of the patients.
