Table 3.
Tests of walking capacity (6MWT29), lower extremity strength (5STS30) and quality of life (KDQOL-SF31)
| Test | Description | Indicator(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 6MWT, m | To walk back and forth along a 22 m course (two 10-m straight lines connected by two 1-m curves) in a corridor as quickly as possible for 6 min. Subjects are allowed to rest in case of fatigue or pain, and to resume when possible | Total distance covered in 6 min |
| 5STS, s | To move from a sitting position to a standing position on a 42-cm high chair as quick as possible, for five times | Time to complete the five repetitions |
| For patients unable to complete the test: number of standing positions reached and related time | ||
| KDQOL-SF | Questionnaire measuring quality of life in the version translated into Italian and specifically validated in Italian patients with CKD | Score domains |
| Self-administered | ||
| Assistance by nurses unaware of the patients’ treatment allocation is allowed |
Assessment was always performed on a nondialysis day by members of the rehabilitation team, i.e., by professionals not involved in the care of patients on hemodialysis. No encouragement was allowed during the testing sessions.