While none of us need to have special intelligence or a degree to know that physical activity of any form including walking helps our body stay healthy. Of all physical activities walking is one of the least technical, low impact, effective form of exercise which is easiest to incorporate in your daily routine.
I say its one of the easiest to incorporate in our routines, for most of us, considering we don’t need training to walk, no special equipments needed, no need to go to a special gym, training centre etc. Walking, as a form of moderate-intensity exercise, can significantly benefit patients undergoing hemodialysis by improving various health parameters.
Since I myself work in with hemodialysis patients I thought to do some homework before putting this statement out and guess what, I resorted to AI to do a bit research for me on the topic. And here we are with the benefits and positive impact walking can have on people on Dialysis treatment supported by scientific evidence.
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Enhanced Cardiovascular Efficiency: Regular walking has been shown to improve cardiovascular health in hemodialysis patients by decreasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are prevalent in this population.
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Reference: Mustata, S., Groeneveld, S., Davidson, W., Ford, G., & Kiland, K. (2011). Effects of exercise training on physical impairment, arterial stiffness and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot study. International Urology and Nephrology, 43(4), 1133–1141.
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Improved Physical Functioning: Walking improves physical functioning and muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis, combating the effects of muscle wasting and fatigue commonly experienced by these patients.
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Reference: Cheema, B., Abas, H., Smith, B., O’Sullivan, A., Chan, M., Patwardhan, A., & Kelly, J. (2007). Progressive exercise for anabolism in kidney disease (PEAK): a randomized, controlled trial of resistance training during hemodialysis. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 18(5), 1594–1601.
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Better Quality of Life: Engaging in regular walking routines has been associated with improvements in the quality of life for hemodialysis patients, including better physical and social functioning and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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Reference: Painter, P., Carlson, L., Carey, S., Paul, S. M., & Myll, J. (2000). Physical functioning and health-related quality-of-life changes with exercise training in hemodialysis patients. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 35(3), 482–492.
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Enhanced Dialysis Efficiency: Exercise, including walking, performed during hemodialysis sessions has been linked to improved dialysis efficiency, evidenced by higher Kt/V values, a measure of dialysis quality.
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Reference: Kopple, J. D., Wang, H., Casaburi, R., Fournier, M., Lewis, M. I., Taylor, W., & Storer, T. W. (2007). Exercise training improves aerobic capacity and muscle strength in chronic hemodialysis patients. Kidney International, 71(5), 422–428.
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Reduction in Inflammation: Walking has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in hemodialysis patients, which is significant since chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality in this population.
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Reference: Afshar, R., Shegarfy, L., Shavandi, N., & Sanavi, S. (2010). Effects of aerobic exercise and resistance training on lipid profiles and inflammation status in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Indian Journal of Nephrology, 20(4), 185–189.
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These references underscore the scientific consensus on the benefits of walking and aerobic exercises for patients on hemodialysis, highlighting its role in improving cardiovascular health, physical functioning, quality of life, dialysis efficiency, and reducing inflammation.
So, let’s walk. Let’s walk some more😉
