Effect of Resistance Exercises on Muscle Strength, Fatigue Severity and Daily Living Activities among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Minia University, Egypt.

2 Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Minia University, Egypt.

3 Lecturer of Hematology, Internal Medicine Department. Faculty of medicine. Minia University. Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Decreased muscle strength, fatigue and limited in implementing activity of daily livings (ADLs) are prominent symptoms in liver cirrhosis patients. Resistance exercises have shown promising effects on decreasing fatigue severity, increasing muscle strength, increasing the level of independence in performing ADLs. Aim: To evaluate the effect of resistance exercises on muscle strength, fatigue severity and ADLs among patients with liver cirrhosis. Design: Quasi experimental research design (pre-post-test group). Setting: The current research was implemented at the internal medicine department in the University Liver and Digestive System Hospital. Sample: Non probability (a purposive sample) of 80 male as well as female patients with liver cirrhosis were recruited and allocated into one group. Tools: A structured interview questionnaire sheet, Oxford Scale for Muscle Strength Grading, The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), The Katz Index for ADLs. Results: illustrates that the proportion of patients with high muscle strength (7-10) increased from 25.0% at baseline to 72.5%, as well as fatigue severity decreased from 75.0% (high fatigue scores 7–10) at baseline to 12.5%, also, ADLs, the percentage of independent patients rose from 12.5% to 62.5% after 12 weeks of intervention. Conclusion: Resistance Exercises demonstrated efficacy in reducing fatigue severity as well as, increasing muscle strength and the level of independence in performing ADLs with more pronounced impacts seen with interventions lasting twelve months. Recommendations: Resistance exercises should be included in routine treatment regimens for patients with liver cirrhosis, particularly those who are suffering muscular weakness and fatigue.

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