title: Improving physical functioning in the elderly dialysis patient: relevance of physical therapy.
abstract: Compromised physical functioning is characteristic of medically complicated patients on dialysis, but many of these deficits can be addressed by rehabilitation. This article describes the benefits and limitations of a 3-month physical therapy pilot program at an inner-city hemodialysis clinic. Program results indicate the difficulties in keeping patients participating in such a program, but, for those patients who did regularly participate, on-site physical therapy consultation was valuable in assisting staff to identify exercise regimens that were consistent with individual patients' needs and addressed their functional difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Pianta
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Kutner
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing