Exercise and Peritoneal Dialysis: Enhancing Patient Quality of Life

In this episode of the PD Exchange, hosts Dr. Nikhil Shah and Dr. Jeff Perl discuss the crucial topic of exercise and its impact on peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The discussion features a panel of experts including Dr. Stephanie Thompson, Dr. Clara Bohm, and Dr. Paul Bennett. They delve into the importance of tailored exercise interventions for improving patients' physical and mental health, overcoming barriers to activity, and implementing feasible exercise programs within PD care. Key issues addressed include swimming, lifting weights, and the benefits of prehabilitation. The conversation underscores the necessity of making exercise a fundamental component of PD treatment and calls for more research and better resources to support this cause.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:59 Introducing the Expert Panel

02:20 Discussion on Exercise Guidelines for PD

05:02 Research and Evidence on Exercise Benefits

08:16 Challenges and Solutions in Prescribing Exercise

13:46 Types of Exercise and Their Impact

16:51 Practical Advice and Patient Motivation

26:19 Swimming and PD: Guidelines and Considerations

30:32 Debating Swimming with PD Catheters

32:22 Covering and Caring for Catheters

34:00 Scuba Diving with PD Catheters

34:49 Swimming and Daily Exercise with PD

36:31 Lifting and Exercise Guidelines

42:00 Prehabilitation and Exercise Programs

43:24 Resources and Patient Education

51:56 Future Research and Final Thoughts

Links to Exercise Resources -

1. GREX Guidelines and Home page - https://grexercise.arizona.edu/

2. Kidney health Manitoba - https://www.kidneyhealth.ca/living-with-kidney-disease/fitness-wellness/