Quality of life and grip strength in patients with CKD

Context: Patients with chronic kidney disease are more likely to develop anemia and alteration of calcium and phosphorus concentrations, highlighting the marked muscle deterioration due to increased catabolism and the development of sarcopenia, which directly impacts the deterioration of muscle strength and therefore, functionality. This deterioration has been measured and quantified through the prehensile force; information that may be related to greater functional limitation and loss of independence, generating alterations in well-being and health-related quality of life. Objective: To determine the relationship between health-related quality of life and muscle strength in patients attending the renal unit at the Alma Mater Hospital of Antioquia.Methodology: This study was conducted in a clinical setting, in a Renal Unit in the city of Medellín. It is a quantitative, observational study, cross-sectional design with analytical intention. The population consisted of 47 patients, including 32 men and 15 women. A convenience sample was used, as the conditions for blinding the population during hemodialysis were not met. Data collection included sociodemographic information, quality of life assessment using the KDQOL-36 scale, and measurement of grip strength using the Biometrics system for dynamometry. Grip strength was assessed bilaterally in the standard position, with the elbow flexed, and with the arm flexed and the elbow extended. Results: From a total of 47 patients evaluated, it was found that the manual grip strength with a flexed arm is significantly associated with the physical health dimension of the KDQOL SF 36 renal scale. The manual grip test with an extended arm is also highly associated with the physical health dimension of the KDQOL SF 36 renal scale. Conclusions: The greater the manual grip, the higher the score in the physical health dimension of the KDQOL SF 36 scale, both in the standard position with the elbow flexed at 90° and with the elbow extended at 0°.