Fit for Dialysis: a prospective 2-site parallel intervention trial of a filmed research-based drama to increase exercise amongst older hemodialysis patients.

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a filmed research-based drama-Fit for Dialysis-and an exercise program on patients' physical activity and fitness outcomes.

Methods: Nineteen (10 at the intervention site, 9 at the control site) older patients with a medical diagnosis of hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease were recruited from two acute care hospitals in urban central Canada where they were receiving out-patient hemodialysis care. Participants at the intervention site viewed Fit for Dialysis prior to participating in a 16-week exercise program. Participants at the control site participated only in the 16-week exercise program. Physical activity, measured by total intradialytic exercise time (TIDE), and physical fitness, measured by the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT). Secondary measures included: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Grip Strength, Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), Godin Leisure-Time Exerciser Questionnaire (GLTEQ), and pedometer step count.

Results: TIDE, TUG, and GLTEQ were better at the intervention site compared to the control site at all time points measured. However, the change over time was not different between the sites. The 2MWT improved over time at the intervention site for those who exercised consistently. No significant differences between sites, or over time were found for any of the other measures.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this intervention to facilitate the incorporation of exercise into the care and treatment of HD patients.