ArticleBMC nursing2026
Effect of nurse-led intradialytic stretching exercises on muscle cramp burden among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial.
Article in BMC nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT07262879 (Effect of Nurse-Led Intradialytic Stretching Exercises on Muscle Cramp Burden Among Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis), which is not on this map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Effect of Nurse-Led Intradialytic Stretching Exercises on Muscle Cramp Burden Among Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundIntradialytic muscle cramps disrupt hemodialysis (HD), trigger rescue interventions, and reduce patient comfort. Evidence for preventive, nurse-led strategies is limited. This study evaluated whether a standardized intradialytic stretching protocol reduces cramp burden compared to usual care.
methodsA single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted. Adults on maintenance HD with a history of leg cramps were randomized 1:1 to nurse-led stretching (n = 30) or usual care (n = 30). The intervention included supervised lower-limb stretches, twice weekly for ~ 8 weeks, with fidelity monitoring. Outcomes were assessed using the Arabic Muscle Cramp Severity and Characteristics Questionnaire. The primary outcome was post-intervention cramp intensity category.
resultsGroups were comparable at baseline. Post-intervention, the study group showed significantly lower cramp intensity: no cramps in 83.3% vs. 30.0% of controls (p < 0.001). Cramp frequency, duration, pain, and discomfort all favored the intervention (all p < 0.01). Leg temperature perception did not differ. No serious adverse events occurred.
conclusionsA brief, nurse-led stretching protocol produced large reductions in cramp burden without disrupting workflow. Integrating standardized stretching into routine nursing care is a feasible, low-cost strategy for proactive symptom management, empowering nurses and enhancing patient comfort. Multicenter, longer-term evaluations are warranted. CLINICAL TRIALS: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT07262879. REGISTRATION DATE: 12/02/2025.
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