Application of the dijon physical activity score in chronic hemodialysis patients

Physical Activity (PA) is usually impaired in the chronic hemodialysis patient. Studies confirm the benefit of maintaining or the resumption physical activity in these patients. For this reason, our work aims to assess sedentary behavior using a Dijon Physical Activity Score (DPAS) in chronic hemodialysis patients and to identify the factors associated with a decrease in physical activity in them.

We conducted, during the month of February 2019, a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study of chronic hemodialysis patients in two hemodialysis centers. We used the Dijon questionnaire to measure PA by taking into account daily, sports or leisure activities. The reference values for the PA level are 0-10 (low), 10-20 (medium) and 20-30 (high).

Our study included 127 patients. Age average is 51±15 years with a female predominance. The level of activity overall physics is high at 23.9±2.54 in 30% of patients, medium at 14±2.9 in 22% of patients and low at 7.48±2.08 in 48% of hemodialysis patients. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that the variables explaining the score of Dijon in our population are in order of contribution: the profession (β=-, 229; t=-3,305; p=0.001), female sex (β=-,190; t=-2,793; p =0.002), seniority in hemodialysis (β=-0.283; t=-4.196; p=0.001), pre-dialysis uremia (β=0.270 ;t=3.987; p=0.001), nephroangiosclerosis (β=-0.219; t=-3.267; p=0.001), the smoking (β=-0.190; t=2.793; p=0.006), anemia (β=-0.229; t=-3.172; p=0.002), and taking beta-blockers (β=0.185; t=2.580; p=0.011).

Our Results show that the level of physical activity is related to many parameters including some are modifiable. The prescription of an adapted and personalized program would improve the prognosis for co-morbidities and the quality of life of our patients.