Therapeutic Yoga to Improve Functional Physical Performance in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health burden, characterized by rising incidence and prevalence rates. A notable complication of CKD is the deterioration of functional physical performance, which adversely impacts activities of daily living (ADLs). Therapeutic yoga has emerged as a potential intervention to mitigate these impairments.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of isometric therapeutic yoga in enhancing functional physical performance among CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods: A pre-test/post-test pre-experimental design was implemented at the Nephrology Department of the Medical-Surgical Research Center between January and March 2023. Twelve participants meeting predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled via non-probability convenience sampling. Each subject underwent a standardized isometric therapeutic yoga regimen. Functional physical performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).

Results: The cohort comprised a majority of male participants (75%), with the highest representation in the 51–60 and 61–70 age groups. Notably, 75% of participants had undergone hemodialysis for >48 months. A statistically significant improvement in SPPB scores was observed post-intervention, with a strong positive correlation (*r* = 0.95, *p* < 0.001).

Conclusions: Isometric therapeutic yoga demonstrates clinically meaningful benefits in CKD patients with compromised functional physical performance, particularly in enhancing balance and gait stability. These findings suggest its utility

as an adjunct therapy to improve patient independence and quality of life. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these results.