Determining factors of functioning in hemodialysis patients using the international classification of functioning, disability and health

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) treatment affects functioning, physical activity level, clinical biomarkers, and body composition. However, the association between these variables with functioning, considering International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between physical activity, biomarkers, and body composition with functioning in HD patients in reference to the ICF. METHODS: Eighty HD patients performed different tests grouped according to ICF domain: Body structure and function – handgrip strength (HS), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, and 60-s sit-to-stand test (5-STS, 60-STS, respectively); Activity – short physical performance battery (SPPB); and Participation – participation scale questionnaire. Physical activity [Human Activity Profile questionnaire (HAP)], body composition (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), Parathormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed as possible variables associated with ICF domains. Data analyses were performed using simple and multiple regression models adjusted for age, duration of HD, and diuresis volume. RESULTS: In the body structure and function domain, appendicular lean mass, PTH level, and age were associated with HS (R(2) = 0.558); HAP and PTH were associated with 5-STS (R(2) = 0.263); and HAP, PTH, duration of HD, and age were associated with 60-STS (R(2) = 0.337). In the activity domain, HAP, PTH, alkaline phosphatase, duration of HD, age, and body fat were associated with SPPB (R(2) = 0.689). Finally, only HAP was associated with the participation scale (R(2) = 0.067). CONCLUSION: Physical activity and PTH levels are determinant protagonists of functioning in all ICF domains in hemodialysis patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02719-5.