Perceived barriers and motivators to exercise in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Kidney failure and hemodialysis are associated with numerous physical and psychological symptoms and complications, some of which can be reduced or eliminated by adequate exercise. Dialysis patients, however, tend to be quite sedentary on average, which can further complicate their physical and mental health. The goal of this study was to investigate perceptions of barriers and motivators for exercise among hemodialysis patients. It was hypothesized that increased barriers would be associated with decreased exercise, and increased motivators would be associated with increased exercise. The results indicated that both motivators and barriers were associated with exercise behavior, with motivators being more salient. Contrary to what has been previously postulated, lack of motivation, as opposed to health-related impairment, appears to be the primary factor impeding dialysis patient exercise practices.