A Study to Assess the Effect of Intradialytic Stretching Exercise on Muscle Cramps among Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis in a Selected Hospital, at Bangalore

Background of the study: Clients undergoing dialysis do not walk a pleasant road. Yet during their devastating experience of dialysis sessions, Muscle cramps may be the cause further pain. The stretching exercise can be given to the patients undergoing haemodialysis to prevent the outbreak of muscle cramps which may the result of fluid loss during the session. The effectiveness of stretching exercise is measured through modified numerical intensity scale, duration and frequency. Objectives: To assess the effect of intradialytic stretching exercise on muscle cramps among patients undergoing haemodialysis. Design and Methods: Approach: An evaluation approach. Design: This study was only experimental design. Setting: In haemodialysis unit of Rangadore Memorial Hospital at Bangalore. Participants: 60 patients who fulfilled selection criteria were included in the study. Pre-Assessment: The tool was developed by preparation of Modified Numerical Intensity Scale, Duration, and Frequency content validity of the stool was established by giving to professional experts. Intervention: The personal data was assessed by demographic and clinical questionnaires. The stretching exercise was administered during haemodialysis on muscle cramps. Post-Assessment: Assessing the effect of stretching exercise on muscle cramps with the help of Modified Numerical Intensity Scale, Duration and Frequency. Results: 1.The study reveals that paired't' values 3.19 (p<0.01) and 5.8 (p<0.001) should that there is a significant difference between the intensity scale scores during third and fourth hours in the experimental and control groups respectively. 2. The study showed that there is no significant association between any patient variable and the intensity, duration and frequency of cramps during third and fourth hours in experimental group. 3. In the control group, intensity of muscle cramps showed significant association with previous experience of muscle cramps and use of membrane stabilizing agents. Conclusions: The study concluded the findings suggest that the exercise was effective in terms of reduction in the intensity, duration and frequency of muscle cramps in the experimental group. The nurse has to be alert to spend time to assess risk factors for muscle cramps, develops nursing strategies to prevent or reduce the incidence of muscle cramps during dialysis.