Functional ability in hemodialysis patients with and without restless leg syndrome

Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is commonly found among patients who receive hemodialysis therapy, and they likely reduce maximal oxygen uptake as compared with healthy subjects.  Consequently, low oxygen uptake might have an effect on functional ability in hemodialysis patients with RLS. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the functional ability between hemodialysis patients with and without RLS. Method: Twenty eight hemodialysis patients voluntarily participated and were divided into two groups: an RLS group (n = 14) and a non-RLS group (n = 14). Functional ability tests included a sit-to-stand-to-sit test for 10 repetitions (STS10) to measure muscle strength in the lower extremities, a sit-to-stand-to-sit test for 60 seconds (STS60) to measure muscle endurance in the lower extremities and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to measure cardiovascular fitness. Results: The results showed that the RLS group had a lower number of repetitions in STS60 and a shorter 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) than the non-RLS group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively), whereas there was no difference in STS10 between groups (P = 0.24). Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with RLS had lower muscle endurance in the lower extremities and lower cardiopulmonary fitness than hemodialysis patients without RLS, whereas there was no difference in lower extremity muscle strength between hemodialysis patients with and without RLS. A program to help increase muscle endurance and cardiopulmonary fitness is recommended for hemodialysis patients with RLS.