Weekly energy expenditure and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

This study examined the relationship between physical activity patterns and quality of life among hemodialysis patients. While undergoing hemodialysis, 19 patients (31-82 years; 60.2 +/- 17.4 yrs, mean +/- SD) completed a physical activity and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Individuals were separated into either a high- or low-energy expenditure group. The high-energy expenditure group had significantly higher total SF-36 scores (58.35 +/- 4.49 vs. 42.85 +/- 3.86, mean +/- SE, p = 0.028) and physical functioning scores (62.22 +/- 8.00 vs. 27.14 +/- 3.16, mean +/- SE, p = 0.002) compared to individuals in the low-energy expenditure group. Members in the high-energy group tended to score higher on social functioning, general health, and role limitations. Increasing weekly energy expenditure, either through physical activity or household tasks, may increase quality of life and overall level of physical functioning in patients with end stage renal disease.