Abstract
Background: Renal dialysis patients are less active than the general population. However, little information exists in the literature regarding the perceived barriers experienced by renal dialysis patients which prevent them from becoming more physically active. The aims of this study were to determine both the self-reported level of physical activity of renal dialysis patients and the barriers to increased physical activity perceived by them, and to establish the level of interest among renal dialysis patients in a number of physical activity promotion measures. Methods: Postal questionnaires were sent to 171 renal dialysis patients under the care of a consultant nephrologist at Cork University Hospital, requesting information on their current level of physical activity, reasons for being unable to increase their activity level, and their interest in various suggested physical activity promotion measures. Results: Responses were received from 78 renal dialysis patients. Of these, 25 reported exercising three or more times per week; the remainder less than three times per week (eight non-replies). Feeling “too tired” was the most predominant barrier to increased physical activity reported (31 respondents). Intra-dialytic exercise (28 respondents) and a home exercise programme (23) were the most popular suggested physical activity promotion measures among respondents. Conclusion: Education on the importance of exercise in patients on renal dialysis is vital, with emphasis on the many activities that can be considered “exercise”.