Physical – Functional Capacity – KidneyPal

Functional Capacity

physical domain

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Physical

In the Physical Domain, the sociodemographics that were moderately correlated were educational attainment and occupational status. These two factors had a stronger relationship to physical quality of life (QoL) compared to the other variables, which showed only weak correlations.

Educational attainment and Occupational status correlated moderately to the physical domain. Educational attainment is linked to physical quality of life, with higher levels of education often leading to better physical well-being. This stems from improved health literacy, greater access to resources, and informed decision-making regarding lifestyle and treatment. Educated individuals are more effective at managing health conditions like Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), adhering to treatment, and maintaining healthier routines. Occupational status underscores the positive impact of employment on their well-being. Stable jobs enhance access to healthcare, financial security, and structured routines, all contributing to better health outcomes.

Functional Capacity

Functional capacity is the ability to carry out physical, cognitive, and emotional tasks necessary for daily life, reflecting an individual’s overall independence (NANDA International, 2021).

General Interventions

(For age, sex, marital status, household income, comorbidities)

1. Establish realistic goals and schedules.

Improves your self-efficacy and planning (Lopez-Garrido, 2023).

2. Balance rest and activity

Avoids overexertion (NANDA International, 2021)

3. Participate in light physical rehab or adaptive fitness classes

Preserves your strength and mobility (National Institute on Aging, 2025)

4. Incorporate “energy budgeting” plan the day based on how much energy is available

Helps prevent overexertion (Fisher & Budson, 2025)

Educational Attainment-Based: Limited Formal Education

1. You can have a provided step-by-step checklists and visual guides

Simplifies instructions and supports you with varying literacy levels in following daily routines independently (Haq & Madany, 2025).

Example: Checklist: Wake up → brush teeth → light walk → dialysis.

2. You are encouraged to play simple games or group activities to build stamina in a fun way

Builds stamina in an enjoyable, low-pressure way, encouraging consistent physical engagement and social interaction. (Ramirez et al., 2025).

Example: Group seated yoga for those with low literacy

3. Practice activities with family supervision.

To ensure safety and boost self-reliance (Swart & Janeke, 2022).

Example: Group seated yoga for those with low literacy

Educational Attainment-Based: Higher Education

1. You are suggested to use digital habit trackers or wearable tech integration

Helps you monitor progress, stay motivated, and adjust activities based on their energy levels (Zainal & Newman, 2023).

Example: Use a smartwatch to monitor daily step count and heart rate.

2. You are encouraged to have role-playing or activity-based learning for managing fatigue

Makes fatigue management more practical and relatable, especially for those who learn best by doing (Melissant et al., 2021).

Example: “Here’s how to rest after folding laundry.”

3. Engage in online courses that teach home-based adaptations for function.

To have an idea of specific activities and exercises intended (Huang et al., 2023).

Occupational Status-Based: Employed

1. Collaborate with HR for ergonomic workstations and flexible schedules

Helps reduce physical strain and supports sustained productivity throughout the day (Jeffery et al., 2025).

Example: Adjust your workstation to include a footrest and schedule low-energy tasks post-dialysis

2. Create a functional goals plan with the employer or care team.

Ensures activities are aligned with your energy levels and recovery needs, improving overall function and adherence (Chen et al., 2020).

Example: “Today I’ll type reports in the morning and rest after dialysis.”

3. Rotate work tasks from high-effort to low-effort.

To match energy cycles (Andersson et al., 2021).

Example: “Today I’ll type reports in the morning and rest after dialysis.”

Occupational Status-Based: Unemployed

1. Engage yourself in volunteer activities that allow physical movement

Promotes a sense of purpose, maintains physical activity, and supports mental well-being (Nichol et al., 2023).

Example: Join barangay garden projects for light physical activity.

2. Recommend online part-time opportunities (typing, virtual tutoring) to support function without physical strain.

Maintains engagement while accommodating physical limits (Wang et al., 2022).

2. Join free community classes (e.g., Tai Chi or Zumba).

For light structured activity (Zhang et al., 2024).

References

● NANDA International. (2021). NANDA Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification, 16th Edition.
● Chen, X., Latham, G. P., Piccolo, R. F., & Itzchakov, G. (2020). An enumerative review and a meta‐analysis of primed goal effects on organizational behavior. Applied Psychology, 70(1), 216–253. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12239
● Fisher, J., & Budson, A. E. (2025, April 2). Tips to leverage neuroplasticity to maintain cognitive fitness as you age. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-to-leverage-neuroplasticity-to-maintain-cognitive-fitness-as-you-age
● Haq, T. F., & Madany, N. Z. (2025). Visual media on language learning: How different visual aids affect comprehension and retention. QOSIM: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial & Humaniora, 3(2), 671–685. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391720565
● Huang, C., et al. (2023). Longitudinal exploration of online learning burnout: The role of social support and cognitive engagement. European Journal of Psychology of Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-023-00693-6
● Jeffery, B., Weddle, B., Brassey, J., & Thaker, S. (2025, January 16). Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/thriving-workplaces-how-employers-can-improve-productivity-and-change-lives
● Melissant, H. C., et al. (2021). A structured expressive writing activity targeting body image-related distress among head and neck cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(10), 5763–5776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06114-y
● National Institute on Aging. (2025, January 14). Exercise and physical activity. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity
● Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., & Haighton, C. (2023). Exploring the effects of volunteering on the social, mental, and physical health and well-being of volunteers: An umbrella review. VOLUNTAS, 35(1), 97–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z
● Swart, J., & Janeke, C. (2022). Influence of expressive writing exercises on memory and working memory. South African Journal of Psychology, 52(2), 172–184. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463211043450
● Zainal, N. H., & Newman, M. G. (2023). Mindfulness enhances cognitive functioning: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology Review, 18(2), 369–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2023.2248222
● Zhang, Y., Wen, Z., Zhu, Y., & Guan, G. (2024). Effects of physical exercise on body esteem among females. BMC Public Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20861-7
● Wang, S., et al. (2022). Can volunteering buffer the negative impacts of unemployment on mental health? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11), 6809. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116809