Effect of Breathing Exercise on Intradialytic Hypotension in Hemodialysis Patients

Intradialytic hypotension is a common complication of hemodialysis that may adversely affect patient safety and treatment tolerance. This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effect of a breathing exercise on the development of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and hemodynamic stability in patients receiving hemodialysis and to determine the factors associated with the development of IDH. A total of 66 eligible patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Six participants discontinued the study because of death, unwillingness to perform the breathing exercise, or unwillingness to continue participation. The study was completed with 60 patients. Patients in the intervention group performed the breathing exercise during hemodialysis sessions for four weeks and 12 sessions, while patients in the control group received routine care. Intradialytic hypotension and hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout the study.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 to 65 years * Receiving regular hemodialysis treatment for at least 3 months * Able to read and write in Turkish * Able to understand and answer the research questions * Able to learn and perform the breathing exercise correctly * Willing to participate and providing written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Resting peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 92% * History of unstable angina or serious arrhythmia within the previous 3 months * Moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or restrictive lung disease * Cognitive impairment * History of recurrent severe intradialytic hypotension