The effects of Benson relaxation technique on activities of daily living in hemodialysis patients; A single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial study

Many patients with renal failure due to the chronic nature of the disease and prolonged dialysis treatment experience dramatically reduced ability to perform daily living activities (ADLs). This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Benson relaxation technique (BRT) on ADLs in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial study was conducted among 65 hemodialysis patients. They were randomly divided into intervention (n = 33) and control (n = 32) groups. In the intervention group, BRT was performed twice daily for 20 min in a month. The control group received no intervention except for usual care. Data were assessed using the Nottingham Extended Activitıes of Daily Living (NEADL) scale. The mean age of the subjects was 50.32 ± 7.23 years and 78.4% (n = 51) were male. The odds of higher degree of independence regarding NEADLS was about 25% greater in the intervention group as compared to the control one (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.44; P = 0.001). Findings suggest that using BRT as a non-pharmacological intervention may effectively enhance the ADLs of HD patients. •Hemodialysis as an invasive treatment can lead to undesirable changes in the normal activities for the patients with ESRD.•Activity limitations of Hemodialysis patients exacerbate some complications, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity and even death.•Benson relaxation exercises may improve the ADLs in the patients undergoing hemodialysis.