Individuals on hemodialysis have systemic complications due to chronic kidney disease and dialysis treatment. Then, impairments in physical function are frequent in this population, which contributes to a higher risk of falls.

This study aimed to investigate the ability of physical function tests to discriminate individuals on hemodialysis with and without risk of falls.

A 12-month prospective study was conducted with individuals on regular hemodialysis. Physical function was assessed by handgrip strength, gait speed over 15 feet, the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, and the Timed Up and Go test. Following the initial assessment, the falls were monitored monthly for 12 months. A fall was defined as an unexpected event in which the individual came to rest on the ground, floor, or lower level. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to identify a cutoff point of physical function tests able to discriminate individuals with and without risk of falls, also Area Under Curve was calculated. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

This study included 112 patients (58.7 ± 12.9 years, 56.3% male). The incidence of falls was 31.3%. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve showed that 5-repetition sit-to-stand test and Timed Up and Go test were significant predictors of risk of falls and the Area Under Curve and cutoff point were 0.629 (0.512 - 0.746, p = 0.040) and 0.644 (0.528 - 0.760, p = 0.017) and 12.6 seconds (sensibility of 71.0%, specificity of 52.2%) and 8.1 seconds (sensibility of 64.7%, specificity of 54.9), respectively.

Physical function tests were able to discriminate individuals on hemodialysis with and without risk of falls.

Cutoff points identified for physical function tests can be used to screen individuals on hemodialysis with and without risk of falls and to guide fall prevention programs.