Physical activity in dialysis population: How and why to assess and establish a program?

The studies that evaluated physical activity in dialysis patients show a significant inactivity. This inactivity is associated with increased mortality. In contrast, the benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality of physical activity in this population are numerous. Recommendations exist for these patients: those set out for the general elderly adult population. However, few centers are implementing training programs in dialysis patients. There are many reasons, among which the lack of knowledge of the medical staff. The purpose of this article is to clarify the assessment of physical activity in dialysis patients and implementation program for the fight against inactivity. The initial assessment by simple means is essential. It ideally requires the intervention of a specialist in physical activity. The main types of exercise are presented as well as the different types of program and their results. It is important to note that no serious adverse events were reported in the different programs and their feasibility has been demonstrated. The fight against the sedentary patients undergoing dialysis should be a goal of health care teams, as well as the fight against the other cardiovascular risk factors. (C) 2014 Association Societe de nephrologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.