Smith, BS and Preston, NA; Department of Physical Therapy, Wichita State University and Renal Care Group, Wichita, KS, USA. Barb.Smith@wichita.edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the amount of exercise influenced responses to a quality of life survey in persons with end stage renal disease. SUBJECTS: Subjects were recruited from a local dialysis center. After acclimation to the unit, clients were asked to sign a consent form indicating that they would complete the survey at six-month intervals and exercise or that they would only complete the survey. Participants were recruited as new clients were referred over 2.5 years. Clients exercised at their discretion: use of specially constructed cycles while undergoing dialysis, use of exercise bands, walking, etc. METHODS: The Kidney Disease and Quality of Life (QOL) Short Form survey was administered on six, biannual intervals. Additional questions asked about exercise type, amount, and frequency. ANALYSES: Answers to QOL questions were summed for scores for items such as effects of kidney disease and social support. Data from 90 first-time takers (42 males; 48 females;  age = 60.2 years) were evaluated using chi-squares, ANOVA and regression analyses. RESULTS: The best predictor of whether a client would or would not exercise was the signing of the consent form to exercise and complete the survey. Those who signed the survey with the intent to exercise were 9 times more likely to continue exercising than those who chose only to complete the survey. Among first time takers who exercised ³ 91 minutes/ week, 1-90 minutes/week and not at all, no significant differences were found on scores for items such as cognitive functioning, social interaction or pain. However, the group who exercised the most had the highest scores not only for items such as burden of kidney disease and pain but also had the highest scores for physical functioning and well being. CONCLUSIONS: With this group of clients, the signing of the consent form that includes the ‘promise’ to exercise is the best predictor of future exercise. It was expected that the group who exercised the most would have the highest scores for physical functioning, however, why this group also had the highest scores for the more negative aspects of kidney disease (e.g. pain, burden of kidney disease) is not clear. Perhaps, these individuals were active before they required dialysis and were determined to continue with their lifestyle that included exercise. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

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