The Effects of Nutrition Education and Regular Exercise on Nutritional Status, Quality of Life and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a nutrition education and exercise on nutritional status in hemodialysis patients, with regard to quality of life (QoL), and fatigue. The subjects were divided into two groups an educated (E) group (11 men and 9 women) and a non-educated (NE) group (7 men and 22 women). The educated group received a nutrition education and a regular exercise program for 3 months. Data on anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were obtained from medical records. Dietary habits and nutrient intake were assessed through questionnaires and three-day food records. QoL (through the SF-36 questionnaire) and fatigue (measured by a visual analogue scale questionnaire) were assessed before and after the interventions. Dietary habit scores regarding food variety and fluid intake control significantly increased (P<0.05) after the nutrition education. Furthermore, the intake of total energy, carbohydrates, Fe, and vitamin A significantly increased (P<0.05). Vitamin C intake also significantly increased (P<0.01). Hb levels decreased whereas TG levels increased in the NE group. BUN levels decreased in the E group. After the nutrition education, QoL aspects, such as feelings of pain and general health, and the total score significantly increased (P<0.05) and the level of fatigue score decreased (P<0.01). The results of this study indicate that nutrition education and exercise for hemodialysis patients provides changes in dietary habit, daily nutrient intake, biochemical parameters, QoL, and the level of fatigue. Therefore, nutrition education and exercise help improve nutritional status and QoL.