The effects of a home-based exercise program on sarcopenia risk, functional capacity, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life in elderly individuals with chronic kidney disease

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a home-based exercise program on sarcopenia risk, functional capacity, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life in individuals aged 65 years and older with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, the feasibility of telehealth services was assessed through the use of a website developed to facilitate patient follow-up. Method: 28 individuals followed at Akdeniz University Hospital were divided into exercise and control groups. Participants were assessed using the Sociodemographic Form, Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form, SARC-F, FACIT Fatigue Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form, functional capacity tests, and handgrip strength measurement. The exercise group received a 12-week home-based exercise program from a physiotherapist, and exercise adherence was evaluated using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale. At the end of the study, all measurements were repeated and compared. Results: In the exercise group, a reduction in sarcopenia risk was observed, along with significant improvements in functional capacity, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life scores (p<0,05). Additionally, 26.7% of participants demonstrated good adherence to the exercise program. In the control group, fatigue and depression levels increased, while sleep quality and functional capacity declined. No significant change was detected in quality of life scores. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the groups in MNA-SF scores (p>0,05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a home-based exercise program is effective and feasible in reducing sarcopenia risk and improving functional capacity, fatigue, depression, sleep quality and quality of life in elderly individuals with chronic kidney disease; while the integration of telehealth services provided an innovative approach that facilitated patient follow-up and enhanced exercise feasibility. Key words: chronic kidney disease, exercise, sacopenia, quality of life, telehealth.