A combined strength and balance exercise program to decrease falls risk in dialysis patients : a feasibility study

People suffering end-stage kidney disease receiving hemodialysis have a greater risk of falling and suffering debilitating injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and impact of a combined strength and balance exercise intervention on falls risk in hemodialysis patients. Twenty-four adults (mean age = 67.8 yrs) from two Australian outpatient hemodialysis clinics completed the intervention. Falls risk was measured using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). There was a significant reduction in the median overall falls risk z-score from 1.67 to .52 (z = -3.11, P<.008; r = .45). Median reaction time improved from .30 to .26 sec (z = -2.86, P<.008; r = .41). A strength and balance intervention to reduce the falls risk for dialysis patients is feasible and may reduce falls risk for at risk patients.