Physical performance and health-related quality of life among older adults on peritoneal dialysis: a cross-sectional study

Purpose Identifying performance-based tests that meaningful for patients may facilitate the implementation of rehabilitation programs. The primary aim of this study was to determine the independent associations between different performance-based tests and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Patients on PD who were 60 years of age or above were included. HRQoL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. Physical function was determined by handgrip strength, timed up and go (TUG) test, 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, and comfortable gait speed. Depressive symptoms were measured using the self-reported Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the factors influencing HRQoL. Results In total, 115 participants with a mean age of 69.7 were included (46 women and 69 men). TUG (beta =- 0.460, p < 0.001), prealbumin (beta = 0.223, p = 0.014), and education level (beta = 0.183, p = 0.042) were associated with physical health. GDS score (beta = - 0.475, p < 0.001), serum albumin level (beta = 0.264, p = 0.003), and sex (beta = 0.217, p = 0.012), were associated with mental HRQoL. Conclusion TUG could be a valuable test for use in clinical practice and research aiming at facilitating tailed exercise programs, as it was associated with self-perceived physical HRQoL and could be meaningful to elderly PD patients. Depressive symptoms and nutrition were another two important rehabilitation areas for optimizing the overall HRQoL of older adults on PD.

Automated summary

Identifying performance-based tests that are meaningful for patients can help in implementing rehabilitation programs. This study found associations between different performance-based tests and health-related quality of life among elderly peritoneal dialysis patients, with the timed up and go (TUG) test being particularly valuable for assessing physical health. Depressive symptoms and nutrition were also identified as important areas for optimizing the overall health-related quality of life in this population.