Theme 3: Self-management and Lifestyle
Theme Synopsis
Lifestyle and self-management interventions are considered top priorities by patients in all stages of chronic kidney disease. Changing diet and exercise could have substantial health and cost benefits, and yet these types of interventions are addressed in less than 1% of trials in chronic kidney disease. In CKD, controlling the intake of certain nutrients (e.g. phosphate) and fluids is complex and burdensome for patients, with uncertain benefits to long-term patient and kidney health. Exercise has been shown to improve physical fitness, blood pressure and quality of life in patients with CKD, but the types of interventions assessed are limited and the impact on outcomes of highest importance to patients (e.g. fatigue) are not known. We will work with patients to design and evaluate interventions which help patients make lifestyle changes to manage their condition and improve quality of life.
The Mobile Exercise App for Fatigue In Patients on Dialysis Trial
Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of haemodialysis, and has been consistently identified by patients as a top research priority. Some data suggest that exercise may improve fatigue, but the evidence is limited and has focussed on exercise programs that are delivered during dialysis hours. Patients, however, prefer programs that are more flexible. The M-FIT trial will test a structured exercise program to reduce fatigue in dialysis patients, which was designed by a team of exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, nephrologists, researchers, information technology experts and patient partners. The exercises included in the program and the way the program is delivered (mobile app) were chosen based on the expressed preferences of patients.