The effect of a single haemodialysis session on functional mobility in older adults: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To undertake balance and functional mobility assessments in older maintenance haemodialysis patients before and after haemodialysis as a pilot study in order to gain initial data and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this type of study.


METHODS
Postural sway, three-metre timed "up and go" test (TGUGT), and dynamic single leg extensor power (LEP) were measured before and after a haemodialysis session.


METHODS
Male and female maintenance haemodialysis patients aged over 60 years attending the Nottingham City Hospital.


METHODS
Objective outcome measures were postural sway number and sway path (mm) by balance performance monitor, timed three-metre "up and go" test (s), and leg extensor power (W). Blood pressure and weight reductions were also measured. Subjective assessments of practicality and acceptability were made.


RESULTS
Twenty-two patients enrolled. Complete data sets were collected for 14 subjects (11 male, three female). Results were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test for nonparametric data. There was no significant difference before and after dialysis in postural sway, timed "up and go" or leg extensor power. Eight patients did not complete the study and the reasons are examined.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no significant single-session effect. Results suggest that haemodialysis patients may be weaker and have reduced postural stability when compared to historical data on comparable undialysed patients. The study was logistically complex and would be difficult to expand using these methods, but the issues merit further consideration.
Sims
Rebecca J A
RJ
Department of Renal and Transplant Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK. becsims@gmail.com
Taylor
Rachel
R
Masud
Tahir
T
Roe
Simon
S
Cassidy
Michael J D
MJ
Mockett
Simon
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric