Effect of Intradialytic Stretching Exercises on Muscle Cramps among Elderly Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

: Background: Muscle cramps occur frequently among elderly hemodialysis patients, which can be avoided by the application of intradialytic stretching exercises. Purpose: Determine the effect of intradialytic stretching exercises on muscle cramps among elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis. Setting: The study was conducted at hemodialysis unit in Meet Khaqan Health Center affiliated to Shebin El-Koum Fever Hospital. Sample: The study subjects comprised of a convenience sample of 50 elderly patients who were registered in dialysis unit’s files. Instruments: First , Structured interviewing questionnaire. Second , cramp questionnaire chart and visual analogue scale. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference in the level of muscle cramps pre and post implementation of intradialytic stretching exercises (p < 0.001**). Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the muscle cramps level after application of the intradialytic stretching exercises. Thus, these exercises are an effective and simple measure to prevent or reduce severity of muscle cramps among elderly hemodialysis patients. Recommendations: Intradialytic stretching exercises should be combined with routine nursing care for hemodialysis patients.