Sport and Dialysis: A Changing Bioethics Outcome

Abstract

Despite growing consensus among nephrologists on the importance and benefit of exercise and sport to renal patients, the assessment of physical function or the encouragement of physical activity is not a part of the routine therapy program of patients with chronic kidney disease. Lack of motivation and scanty awareness of the beneficial effects of exercise and sport lead nephrologists to underestimate the impact of physical training on improving the quality of life of renal patients. In addition, exercise and sport have a parallel in adequate commitment of medical staff and reinforcement of bioethics practice. This practice contributes to defining the main elements of a sustained training program: the exercise needs to be interesting and stimulating; information delivery is of crucial importance; exercise is not for everyone and requires individual prescription; and age is not a barrier to exercise in hemodialysis and transplantation. Although the dialysis staff is in an excellent position to encourage and facilitate sustained physical activity, they may not have the skills to provide exercise training and will therefore need exercise professionals. Such a professional can coach and encourage dialysis staff to embrace exercise as a part of patient prescription and increase the confidence of doctors and nurses in physical activity and sport. The three testimonies of renal patients presented by the authors confirm the positive trend in quality of life and the increased adaption to current conditions. (Bioethics)