THE PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH FUNCTIONALITY

Silvana Silveira, RITA Barbara, Ruth Pedro
Purpose:

The primary objective of this study was to analyze the functional profile of patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis, with a focus on correlations between muscle strength, calf perimeter, treatment duration, and age. By identifying these correlations, the study aimed to provide insights into physiotherapy interventions that could help preserve muscle strength and functionality. A secondary objective was to raise awareness of the importance of early intervention to improve physical functionality in CKD patients.


Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a clinic in Luanda, Angola, involving 51 patients with advanced CKD undergoing regular hemodialysis. Calf perimeter was measured using a non-elastic tape, and handgrip strength was assessed using a dynamometer to determine muscle strength. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations between calf perimeter, handgrip strength, age, and HD duration.

Results:

The study sample included 51 patients aged 26 to 70 years. The average calf perimeter was 31.94 ± 2.91 cm, and the mean handgrip strength was 23.52 ± 8.99 kg. Patients reported a mean pain score of 1.86 ± 2.41 on the VAS. A positive correlation was observed between HD duration and calf perimeter, while handgrip strength showed a negative correlation with both age and HD duration.

Conclusion(s):

The results suggest that hemodialysis duration and age negatively impact muscle strength and functionality in CKD patients. Early physiotherapy interventions focusing on preserving muscle mass and strength are crucial for improving quality of life. Future studies should explore long-term interventions aimed at maintaining physical functionality in this population.

Implications:

This study highlights the need for incorporating physiotherapy interventions into the care plans of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. The findings emphasize the importance of regular physical assessments and targeted exercise programs to prevent muscle deterioration and improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Funding acknowledgements:
This study did not receive any specific funding from public, commercial, or non-profit organizations.
Keywords:
Chronic Kidney Disease
Functionality
Physiotherapy
Primary topic:
Musculoskeletal
Second topic:
Health promotion and wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Third topic:
Older people
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
Universidade Privada de Angola- CEP - UPRA
Provide the ethics approval number:
00012/2024
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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