At a glance
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Effect of Nurse-Led Intradialytic Stretching Exercises on Muscle Cramp Burden Among Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Nurse-Led Intradialytic Stretching Exercises for Muscle Cramp and 3 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 60 participants across 2 sites.
Detailed Summary
This single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led intradialytic stretching program on the burden of muscle cramps in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Sixty adult patients on thrice-weekly HD with a history of lower-limb cramps will be randomized 1:1 to either an intervention group or a usual care control group. The intervention consists of a standardized protocol of supervised lower-limb stretches (ankle dorsiflexion, gastrocnemius, soleus, and hamstring stretches). Each stretch will be held for 20-30 seconds and repeated three times per limb. The protocol will be delivered by HD nurses during dialysis sessions, twice a week for a total of 15 sessions over approximately eight weeks. Fidelity will be monitored using a structured checklist. The control group will receive routine care without structured exercises. The primary outcome is the post-intervention cramp intensity category, measured using the Arabic Muscle Cramp Severity and Characteristics Questionnaire (MC-SCQ). Secondary outcomes include cramp frequency, duration, pain intensity, leg temperature perception, and discomfort/functional interference.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants in the intervention group received a nurse-led, supervised intradialytic lower-limb stretching program. The standardized protocol was administered during the first 1-2 hours of hemodialysis sessions, twice a week, for a total of 15 sessions over approximately 8 weeks. The protocol consisted of four stretches targeting major lower-limb muscle groups: ankle dorsiflexion, gastrocnemius stretch, soleus stretch, and hamstring stretch. Each stretch was held for 20-30 seconds and repeated three times per limb. HD nurses, trained in the protocol and vascular access safety, delivered the intervention. Adherence and correct technique were monitored and documented for each session using a structured fidelity checklist.