Physical activity measured by pedometer in chronic hemodialysis patients

Objectives. - Physical inactivity is a risk factor for mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients and is poorly documented in this population. Several studies have evaluated physical activity using subjective methods based on questionnaires. Aim of our study was to record physical activity level during seven consecutive days using a pedometer to measure daily step numbers and to determine factors involved in physical activity limitation. Methods. - A cross-sectional single-blind study including forty-three chronic hemodialysis patients was performed. Physical activity was recorded using a using a pedometer (multifunction pedometer model ONWALK 900, GEONAUTE) to measure daily step numbers during seven consecutive days. Results. - Forty-three patients were included. Their median age was 56 [40-68] years with male predominance sex ratio M/F : 1.26. Median physical activity was 4769 steps/day [1597-8364]. Physical activity level was below the recommended level (10,000 steps/day) in 90.7 % of patients and 51.2 % were considered sedentary (< 5000 steps/day). Physical activity was lower on dialysis compared with non-dialysis days, but the difference is not significant (4052 vs 4982 steps/day). Patients were separated into two groups according to daily step numbers : a group < 5000 and a group > 5000. In univariate analysis, patients < 5000 were women, older, obese and had lower serum albumin and serum creatinine levels. In multivariate analysis, only age and female sex were significantly associated with sedentary lifestyle. This survey confirms that hemodialysis patients present with a very low physical activity level. A higher risk of sedentary was identified in older women. Hence the value of an early assessment of physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients and the establishment of programs to encourage exercise. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.