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Stretching Exercises for Dialysis Patients to Reduce Muscle Cramps

NCT07262879 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2025-12-04

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led intradialytic stretching program on the burden of muscle cramps in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Sixty adult patients on thrice-weekly HD with a history of lower-limb cramps will be randomized 1:1 to either an intervention group or a usual care control group.

The intervention consists of a standardized protocol of supervised lower-limb stretches (ankle dorsiflexion, gastrocnemius, soleus, and hamstring stretches). Each stretch will be held for 20-30 seconds and repeated three times per limb. The protocol will be delivered by HD nurses during dialysis sessions, twice a week for a total of 15 sessions over approximately eight weeks. Fidelity will be monitored using a structured checklist. The control group will receive routine care without structured exercises.

The primary outcome is the post-intervention cramp intensity category, measured using the Arabic Muscle Cramp Severity and Characteristics Questionnaire (MC-SCQ). Secondary outcomes include cramp frequency, duration, pain intensity, leg temperature perception, and discomfort/functional interference.

Conditions

  • Muscle Cramp
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Nursing Care

Interventions

OTHER

Nurse-Led Intradialytic Stretching Exercises

Participants in the intervention group received a nurse-led, supervised intradialytic lower-limb stretching program. The standardized protocol was administered during the first 1-2 hours of hemodialysis sessions, twice a week, for a total of 15 sessions over approximately 8 weeks. The protocol consisted of four stretches targeting major lower-limb muscle groups: ankle dorsiflexion, gastrocnemius stretch, soleus stretch, and hamstring stretch. Each stretch was held for 20-30 seconds and repeated three times per limb. HD nurses, trained in the protocol and vascular access safety, delivered the intervention. Adherence and correct technique were monitored and documented for each session using a structured fidelity checklist.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Beni-Suef University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
21 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-09-01
Primary Completion
2024-12-15
Completion
2025-01-01

Countries

  • Egypt

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07262879 on ClinicalTrials.gov