Exercise intervention
dyspnea, chest pain, vomiting, leg cramps, dizziness, intradialytic, nausea,
STRETCHES
The intradialytic exercise program consisted of aerobic exercises using a cycle ergometer. Each exercise phase consisted of a warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down phase. The warm-up consisted of stretches recommended by LORAC (2000), and was conducted for 5 min before the main exercise, sequencing from the upper body to lower body movements. In the main exercise phase, the patients were trained on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (Mbike; Hong Jin Company, China), which was positioned in front of the dialysis recliner. The exercise was performed three times a week for every dialysis session and in the first 1–2 h of hemodialysis, with a total exercise time of 30–60 min. Using Borg’s 15-point scale for rating of perceived exertion, the patients were trained at a range of 7–9 for 5 min, range 12–15 for 20–50 min, and range 7–9 for 5 min. The cool-down phase was conducted in a manner similar to the warm-up phase for 5 min.The training was terminated if the patient’s blood pressure exceeded (above 230 mmHg systolic blood pressure or above 120 mmHg diastolic blood pressure) or if the patient experienced dizziness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, or severe dyspnea.