Effects of warm or cold compresses applied to the legs during hemodialysis on cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort: A placebo‐controlled randomized trial

Introduction Muscle cramps and fatigue are common complications in hemodialysis patients and have been associated with reduced patient comfort. Among the complementary therapies advocated for the management of these complications have been the application of warm or cold compresses to the extremities during a hemodialysis treatment. In this study, we compared the effects of warm or cold compresses application on cramping, fatigue, and patient comfort. Methods This placebo‐controlled randomized trial was done in 69 patients, who were stratified and randomly allocated to three treatment arms. Two of the three groups included an intervention; application of either warm (n = 23) or cold (n = 23) compresses to the extremities during dialysis. The third group served as a placebo control (n = 23). The study period comprised 12 hemodialysis sessions. One week after the completion of the intervention, a follow‐up dialysis session was also evaluated. Data were collected at baseline (t0), during each of 12 intervention sessions (t1—t12), and at the follow‐up session t13. Cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort were evaluated using the Cramp Episode Follow‐up Chart, Piper's Fatigue Scale, and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, respectively. Results In both the intervention and follow‐up sessions, cramping and fatigue were lower, and comfort was higher in each of the intervention groups compared to placebo controls Application of warm compresses was superior to use of cold compresses. Discussion Both warm and cold compress administration reduced muscle cramps, fatigue, and hemodialysis comfort in hemodialysis patients.