Back ground and purpose: Hemodialysis patient are susceptible to muscle cramps, both
during dialysis sessions as well as in the interdialytic interval, these cramps are often very painful
disruptive to dialysis management & adversely affect quality of life there no well defined mean
of preventing or treating these cramps. Exercises have been used with apparent success in some
patient. Exercises is very important element in the overall health of people at any age stretching
exercises may be the best measure to reduce or prevent cramps from occurring. So the present
study was designed to determine the effect of stretching exercises protocols on reduction of leg
cramp during hemodialysis among patient with renal failure. Quasi- experiment ( research design
was applied. This study was conducted in kidney dialysis department of Assiut university
hospitals. The subjects of this study consists of 60 patient with muscle cramps during
hemodialysis. three tools included in the study, tools of soci - demographic data ,tools of patient
information about muscle cramps & management & tool of evaluated patient knowledge & skills
after performance exercises. Results: there was lack of knowledge & skills related to muscle
cramps before nursing instruction protocol but there was statistical significant difference after
performance of exercises. It was found also that high significance difference between before &
after performance of exercises. Conclusions: the importance of performance exercises for patient
undergoing dialysis to prevent cramps. there is clearly a need for effective education regarding
recognition ,individual patient need & appropriate intervention strategies in muscle cramps in
dialysis patient & nurses, in partnership with patient, relatives & careers & other health
professional can help to empower the individual to mange their cramps.