Background: Frailty is a dynamic, multi-dimensional, geriatric syndrome defined as a state of vulnerability to stressors, due to numerous metabolic changes. It is a negative prognostic indicator, associated with falls, fractures, hospitalization, cardiovascular events, and death. The prevalence of frailty is up to 80% in patients receiving dialysis. Frailty and associate physical performance deficits have rarely been investigated in people undergoing dialysis and the effects of targeted frailty focused interventions, such as structured exercise, are not known.
Aims
1 – to complete a systematic review (with the research physiotherapist) on ‘Role of Multi-Component Exercise Approaches in Managing Frailty in Dialysis’, targeting publication in a Nephrology peer-reviewed journal
2 – to assess patient frailty in the dialysis unit at baseline/post intervention (under the supervision of the research Physiotherapist/Consultant Nephrologist). The intervention itself will be carried out by the research physiotherapist (individualised structured exercise using intra-dialytic exercise (stationary bike) and home-based exercise (Kidney Beam app))
Hypothesis: A multi-component exercise approach improves frailty and pre-frailty in the dialysis unit
Objectives/anticipated output:
To understand the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in the dialysis unit.
To assess the impact of intervention on frailty levels, and use this information to advocate for a fully resourced MDT for the dialysis unit in future.
To complete a systematic review (2nd reviewer) and get a deeper insight into the methods used, meta-analysis and publication journey