The 70% of those who undergo Hemodialysis sessions undergo episodes of depression during treatment, a treatment that in most cases falls into a sedentary lifestyle and poses a significant cardiovascular risk for patients.
In order to fight against these contraindications, the Department of Health of Dénia has set in motion, for the patients of the Hemodialysis Unit of the Hospital de Dénia, psychocreative gymnastics while they are dialyzing.
It is a series of physical exercises with instruments that can be done in the armchair or in the bed, during the time they receive the treatment. These are very specific movements designed by the Nephrology, Physiotherapy and Psychotherapy team.
The exercises, of low impact, are practiced with soft elements such as balls or rubber bands and are designed taking into account the specific characteristics of this type of patients, with a very reduced mobility during the sessions.
Marco Montomoli, Nephrologist of the Department, emphasizes that "It is very important that patients identify it as something fun, since that way we will get them to continue with this type of therapy in which the abandonment rate is around 50% six months after starting it".
For her part, Alicia Costa, a psychotherapist from the Department of Dénia, highlights the importance of "Exercises rely on attractive elements in sight and touch so that their execution becomes a diversion and a stimulus, rather than an obligation".
According to the Supervisor of Physiotherapy of the Department of Health of Dénia, Mariano Martín-Macho, "Most of the exercises are isometric, do not require much mobility and help improve respiratory capacity and maintain the hemodynamic stability of patients who practice them."
