Effect of Deep Breathing Exercise Training on Fatigue' Level among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Randomized Quasi-experimental Study

A. Hamed, Laila; Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Thoraya

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2020.169731

Effect of Deep Breathing Exercise Training on Fatigue' Level among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Randomized Quasi-experimental Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer in Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt

² Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing / Faculty of nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2020.169731

Abstract

Background: End-stage renal failure is one of the widespread diseases requiring hemodialysis renal
replacement therapy. However; patients on maintenance hemodialysis usually suffer from fatigue. A
recent growing interest is directed at applying non-pharmacological alongside traditional methods
for managing such chronic complaints. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of deep < /div>
breathing exercise training on level of fatigue among maintenance hemodialysis patients. Materials
and Method: This study is a randomized quasi-experimental design with parallel groups. One
hundred hemodialysis patients participated in the study. They were admitted to the Hemodialysis
Department of Alexandria Main University Hospital. The patients were randomly and equally
assigned to either the control group or the intervention group (n=50 each). Fatigue was measured in
both groups; before and four weeks after nursing intervention using Fatigue Assessment Scale
(FAS). Results: Prior to deep breathing exercises, the total mean percent score of fatigue in the
intervention group was 66.30±12.19 compared to 62.80±13.12 in the controls. After four weeks of
performing the exercise; the mean score was dramatically decreased to 26.25±5.47 in the
intervention group compared to 61.40±11.06 in the control. Additionally, a statistically significant
difference within the intervention group was declared before and after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Performing deep breathing exercises for twenty minutes, twice per day for a full
month; can reduce maintenance hemodialysis patients’ fatigue level.

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