Due to the physical weakness and low level of physical endurance in chronic kidney failure patients and also because most patients are dialyzed through the veins of the hand, exercise using the legs is the best option for improving muscle cramps and improving their quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of physical activity on muscle cramps in patients referred to the hemodialysis department. The current study is a semi-experimental type and the sample size was determined by using previous studies and the sample size formula, 34 people. Sampling was done using available sampling, and then the samples were divided into intervention and control groups by drawing cards. The implementation of the physical activity program was such that for the patients of the intervention group, the walking program was carried out for 30 minutes, 3 times a week immediately after the end of the hemodialysis session or with the prior coordination of the patient. The visual analog scale for muscle cramp pain intensity was completed at the beginning and end of the intervention in two groups. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS23 software. The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference between the average muscle cramp pain before the intervention in the control and intervention groups (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the average muscle cramp pain scores after the intervention in the control and intervention groups (P < 0.05), so after the intervention, the average muscle cramp pain score in the intervention group was reduced compared to the control group. The present study showed that physical activity was effective in muscle cramp pain.
