THE APPLICATION OF INTRADIALYTIC STRETCHING EXERCISES TO REDUCE MUSCLE CRAMPS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Abstrak

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that leads to impaired kidney function and various systemic complications, including muscle cramps during hemodialysis. Muscle cramps are a common intradialytic complication that can reduce patient comfort and quality of life. Objective: This study aims to examine changes in the level of muscle cramps in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis before and after the implementation of intradialytic stretching exercise. Methods: This study employed a descriptive exploratory case study design involving two CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. The intervention consisted of intradialytic stretching exercise administered for 20 minutes during the dialysis process. Data were collected through clinical observations focusing on pain intensity and characteristics of muscle cramps before and after the intervention, and were analyzed descriptively. Results: Both patients showed improvement in muscle cramp symptoms after the intervention. The first patient experienced a reduction in pain intensity from severe to moderate, while the second patient no longer experienced muscle cramps after the intervention. Conclusion: Intradialytic stretching exercise has the potential to be a simple and safe nursing intervention to reduce muscle cramps and improve patient comfort during hemodialysis.