Renal dialysis patients at Lancaster General Health Campus can improve their health and fitness level while receiving dialysis treatment by using a special type of stationary bicycle.
"The staff in the dialysis unit is continually promoting wellness in our patients - and what better way than exercise," said Joy Bedwell, RN, who took the lead in getting the program up and running at Lancaster General.
The Renal Dialysis Exercise Committee developed criteria to determine if a patient is eligible to use the stationary bicycle. They also created exercise protocols, educational materials and an exercise flow sheet.
The committee includes:
- medical director for dialysis
- exercise physiologist
- nurses
- social worker
- dietitian
The committee purchased two bikes thanks to funding they received from the National Kidney Foundation. The program is provided at no charge to patients.
Patients can work out in 45-minute sessions up to three times a week, depending on how often they receive dialysis.
"It is a self-paced program," said Bedwell. "Patients progress at their own rate and determine their own comfort zone." Dialysis staff members monitor patients' vital signs before, during and after exercise.
Patient benefits include:
- increased strength and flexibility
- less fatigue
- improved mobility
- greater comfort in performing daily tasks
- reduced risk of heart disease
- lower cholesterol and blood pressure readings
- and for diabetics, improved blood sugar control.
Exercise also positively impacts the actual dialysis treatment process. "Patients experience increased ease of fluid removal during dialysis and have less chance of low blood pressure episodes," said Bedwell.
For more information, call the Dialysis Unit at (717) 544-3122.