Barriers and facilitators to exercise in haemodialysis patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Factors impeding physical activity in older hospitalised patients: A qualitative meta-synthesis

BACKGROUND

Older hospitalised patients have low levels of physical activity and multiple impairing factors.

AIMS

To systematically evaluate the perceived barriers to physical activity among older patients during hospitalisation, and provide reference for future intervention programs.

DESIGN

Following ENTREQ, do a systematic evaluation and synthesis of qualitative investigations.

METHODS

An exhaustive exploration was conducted across the CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science from their inception until August, 2023 to identify qualitative research on obstacles to physical activity among older hospital patients. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for qualitative research. Meta-synthesis method was used to integrate the results.

RESULTS

In total, 8 literatures were included, 43 themes were extracted, and analogous research results were amalgamated to generate 10 categories and 3 syntheses: individual level, interpersonal influencing factors and hospital environment and resources level.

CONCLUSION

Older inpatients are faced with multiple barriers to physical activity. Medical staff should pay attention to changes in physical activity during hospitalisation, identify barriers to physical activity in older inpatients and provide references for promoting physical activity programs for the older.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study is a meta-synthesis and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN

Older patients are at low physical activity levels during hospitalisation. Older inpatients are faced with multiple barriers to physical activity.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Factors of physical activity impairment in hospitalised older patients should be considered in the context of health status, psychological factors, motivation and social support. Disease-induced psychological fallout has a greater impact on physical activity in the older.

Barriers and enablers to exercise in kidney transplant recipients: Systematic review of qualitative studies

BACKGROUND

Exercise has the potential to reduce the susceptibility to comorbidity and cardiovascular disease in kidney transplant recipients. However, kidney transplant recipients report lower levels of exercise compared to the general population, prompting an investigation into the barriers and enablers to exercise in this transplant cohort.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to explore and map the barriers and enablers to exercise in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were systematically searched. Themes were synthesised and then deductively categorised using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the review. Commonly reported barriers to exercise were lack of exercise guidance (n = 9 studies), physical limitations (n = 5 studies) and a fear of harming the kidney (n = 7 studies). Enablers were a desire to return to normality (n = 5 studies), physical and mental benefits (n = 3 studies), goal setting and tracking improvements (n = 3 studies). At the local level, barriers identified by kidney transplant recipients were a lack of knowledge, fear of injuring the kidney, bad weather and physical limitations. Perceived enablers were already living an active lifestyle, mental benefits, exercise preferences and social support.

CONCLUSION

Key findings of this research were an increased demand for specific/explicit exercise information regarding type and intensity, and personalised guidance and support for kidney transplant recipients after transplantation. These findings can be used to inform the development of exercise resources and interventions for kidney transplant recipients and their health care professionals within the local community and at a greater level.

Physical activity, exercise habits and health-related quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although exercise has the potential to yield numerous benefits for maintenance hemodialysis patients, the relationship between physical activity, exercise habits, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to characterize the physical activity, exercise habits, and HRQOL of maintenance hemodialysis patients while examining the associations between these factors.

METHODS

A convenience sampling was used to recruit 827 patients from 74 dialysis units in China. The structured questionnaire included sociodemographics, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, exercise habits, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 1.3. An independent samples t-test, multivariable logistic regression analysis, and multivariable linear regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

The physical activity levels of 69% of participants were found to be below the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Despite 62.4% of participants reporting regular exercise, 73.8% reported light exercise intensity, and 92.6% engaged in walking or jogging. Participants' HRQOL was higher in the low-intensity exercise group compared with the moderate-to-hard-intensity exercise group. Moderate-to-high physical activity was associated with better HRQOL in 13 of the 19 domains and regular exercise was linked to higher HRQOL in four of the 19 domains.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a low level of physical activity, light exercise intensity, and walking as the primary exercise type among the participants. A significant correlation was found between higher physical activity levels, regular exercise, and better HRQOL for maintenance hemodialysis patients. It is advisable to implement strategies to enhance physical activity levels and design exercise programs for maintenance hemodialysis patients based on their real-world physical activity levels and exercise habits.

Resilience of undergraduate health sciences students during COVID-19: An integrative review

Background

COVID-19 pandemic placed pressure on global health systems, healthcare providers and undergraduate students in health sciences. Students experienced change in the teaching and learning as well as the clinical context resulting in increased stress levels. Resilience assisted students to adapt and develop competencies and effective coping mechanisms.

Aim

The purpose of this integrative review is to identify resilience of undergraduate students in health sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting

Online platforms.

Methods

An integrative review was conducted with keywords: resilience, undergraduate students, health sciences and COVID-19. Three different searches were conducted for the time frame 2020-2022 on the relevant electronic data bases with full text articles. A total of 1665 records were identified and 49 potentially relevant articles were identified. Screening resulted in 34 articles that were analysed using the John Hopkins critical appraisal criteria.

Results

Four themes were identified: attributes of students' resilience, aspects enhancing the development of resilience, aspects hindering the development of resilience and recommendations to cultivate resilience.

Conclusion

Resilience is key to withstand the challenges in the global health system. The development of resilience in undergraduate health sciences students should be prioritised to ensure cognitive adaptability, effective coping skills and sufficient support.

Contribution

These findings can assist higher educational institutions to improve their undergraduate health science programs to cultivate resilient health care professionals.

Factors influencing early mobilisation for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery from multiple perspectives: a qualitative descriptive study

OBJECTIVES

Despite early mobilisation as a key component of enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for pancreatic surgery, the implementation of early mobilisation remains unsatisfactory. What factors influence the implementation of early mobilisation from the lens of all stakeholders is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the influencing factors of early mobilisation in pancreatic surgery from the perspective of patients, family members and health professionals.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive design using individual interviews and focus groups.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-two patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, 10 family members and 10 healthcare professionals from a large university teaching hospital in China.

METHODS

We collected data on participants' views on factors influencing early mobilisation after pancreatic surgery. Two researchers independently reviewed the transcripts and emergent coding. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Three main categories that influenced the implementation of early mobilisation in pancreatic surgery were identified: (1) attitude towards early postoperative mobilisation (eg, perceived advantages or disadvantages of early mobilisation), (2) subjective norm (eg, impact from health professionals, family members and fellow patients) and (3) perceived behavioural control (eg, knowledge, abilities, resources and environment).

CONCLUSION

Factors influencing early mobilisation are diverse and multidimensional. The successful implementation of early mobilisation requires the dedication of both patients and healthcare professionals.

Differences in the purpose of exercise between hemodialysis patients who continued or dropped out of exercise programs: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Selecting suitable exercise goals is crucial for fostering adherence to, and maintenance of, exercise therapy. We aimed to evaluate the variance in exercise objectives between individuals who continued and those who dropped out of a 6-month intradialytic exercise program by analyzing an open-ended questionnaire administered to patients undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

The study consisted of outpatients (n = 541; mean age, 70 years) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, who had been informed of an intradialytic exercise program and voluntarily agreed to participate. The primary outcome was the exercise purpose. The difference in exercise purpose was quantitatively analyzed between the exercise continuation and dropout groups. A co-occurrence network was created and concepts were constructed. The basic attributes were compared using chi-squared and independent t-tests.

RESULTS

Over 6 months, 154 patients (28.5%) dropped out of the intradialytic exercise program. Concepts related to the goals of the program were: (1) physical function and condition, (2) addressing limitations, (3) maintaining daily life activities, and (4) physical condition recognition. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the exercise continuation group established their objectives based on the health benefits of exercise, and proactively set goals rooted in comprehending their current issues and problems. The dropout group tended to perceive treatment passively as an extension of daily clinical practice, rather than actively formulating exercise objectives.

CONCLUSION

The exercise objectives of those who continued the exercise program differed from those who dropped out. Patients in the exercise continuation group set more affirmative and specific exercise objectives, whereas those in the dropout group set more passive and abstract exercise objectives.

The impact of aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

To investigate the effect of exercise on cardiopulmonary function and the life quality of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Eighty-four patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis treatment for more than 3 months were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The general data and nutritional indexes, including hemoglobin and plasma albumin, before and after the experiment. The differences in lung function, cardiac ultrasound, cardiopulmonary function, exercise endurance between the 2 groups before and after intervention were compared. The short form 36-item health survey (SF-36) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were assessed. In our study, the experimental group had better Force vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) after the intervention compared to the control group (P < .05). Anaerobic threshold and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) improved significantly in the experimental group (P < .05), and SF-36 showed better physical functioning, social functioning, general health, and vitality scores in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < .05). In addition, following 24 weeks of exercise, the Depression score of the exercise group showed a statistically significant improvement when compared to the control group (P < .05). After the intervention, hemoglobin improved significantly in the experimental group (P < .05). Intradialytic exercise can improve hemoglobin, Alb, pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and exercise endurance in maintenance hemodialysis patients, so as to improve the quality of life, which is worthy of further promotion.

Nurses' and medical doctors' attitudes towards exercise for people with chronic kidney disease in Denmark

BACKGROUND

Implementation of exercise training in people with kidney failure may be affected by clinicians' attitudes.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate Danish nephrology nurses' and medical doctors' attitudes towards: exercise for people undergoing dialysis; use of physical activity interventions in chronic kidney disease; and to compare Danish and previously reported Australian nurse attitudes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Nurses and medical doctors from the nephrology field in Denmark.

MEASUREMENTS

The questionnaire attitudes towards exercise in dialysis, and questions about exercise advice, counselling and interventions.

RESULTS

Nephrology nurses (n = 167) and 17 medical doctors (women 92%, age 47 ± 11 years) from 19 dialysis units participated. There were no differences between nurses' and medical doctors attitudes about training. Ninety-five % and 88% of nurses and medical doctors, respectively, agreed that most people undergoing dialysis could benefit from exercise. Exercise training was offered to people undergoing haemodialyses in 88% of 17 departments. Danish nurses reported more positive attitudes than Australian towards exercise (p < 0.05). Ninety-five % and 86% of the Danish and Australian nurses, respectively, agreed/strongly agreed that most people undergoing dialysis could benefit from exercise. Six % and 35% of the Danish and Australian nurses, respectively, agreed/strongly agreed that most people with dialysis were too sick to exercise.

CONCLUSION

Danish nephrology nurses and medical doctors had mostly positive attitudes to exercise training to people undergoing dialysis, and exercise to people with dialysis was offered frequently. Danish and Australian nurses had positive attitudes to exercise to people undergoing dialysis, it was however more positive in Danish nurses.

Effects of Different Exercises on Physical Function, Dialysis Adequacy, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines recommend exercise training for patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). However, the effectiveness of different types of exercise remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to compare and rank the effect of different types of exercise on walking capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, dialysis adequacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients undergoing MHD.

METHODS

Eight databases (four English and four Chinese) were searched from inception to January 1, 2022. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of different exercises for patients undergoing MHD were included. Two independent reviewers screened the literature, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and evaluated the certainty of evidence. A frequentist random-effect network meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Ninety trials with 4,084 participants comparing 15 types of exercise were included, reporting on the six-minute walking test (45 trials), peak oxygen uptake (22 trials), dialysis adequacy (30 trials), and HRQOL (23 trials). Network meta-analysis showed that the most effective intervention for walking capacity was intradialytic aerobic exercise combined with blood flow restriction with a mean difference and 95% confidence interval of 97.35 (11.89-182.81), for peak oxygen uptake it was non-intradialytic combined aerobic and resistance exercise with a value of 4.35 (2.25-6.44), for dialysis adequacy it was intradialytic combined aerobic and resistance exercise with a value of 0.17 (0.06-0.28), for the physical component summary of HRQOL it was intradialytic aerobic exercise with a value of 4.93 (2.31-7.54), and for the mental component summary of HRQOL it was non-intradialytic combined aerobic and resistance exercise with a value of 6.36 (0.45-12.27). Ultimately, intradialytic combined aerobic and resistance exercise could improve all the above outcomes compared to usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concluded that intradialytic combined aerobic and resistance exercise is optimal for MHD patients due to its significant positive effects on multiple outcomes. Walking capacity can be further enhanced by combining blood flow restriction with exercise. For improving dialysis adequacy, intradialytic exercise proves to be more effective than non-intradialytic exercise. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to investigate the effects of exercise with varying durations, intensities, and frequencies.

The effects of virtual reality-based exercise in adults receiving haemodialysis treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the effects of virtual reality-based exercise on physical function, depression symptoms and quality of life in adults receiving haemodialysis. Data were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3. The random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool intervention effects. A total of five studies were included. The majority of included studies compared intervention with passive control group. This meta-analysis showed with a moderate to high quality of evidence that virtual reality-based exercise has positive medium effect on improving physical function such as gait speed (g = .40, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.81), sit to stand 10 times (g = -.41, 95% CI -0.825 to -0.009), sit to stand in 60 s (g = .56, 95% CI 0.151 to 0.974), 6-min walk test (g = .66, 95% CI 0.247 to 1.079), not affect time up and go and sit to stand five times. The study indicated with moderate quality of evidence that virtual reality-based exercise had no effect on depression symptoms. The study also showed with a moderate quality of evidence that the intervention had a positive medium effect on improving physical function (g = .64, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.09). In conclusion, virtual reality-based exercise can be performed to improve physical function and quality of life of adults receiving haemodialysis for health professionals.

Influence of sex differences in maintenance-hemodialysis participants on motivation of exercise therapy implementation: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Exercising requires continuing training and maintenance of motivation. Support for exercise continuation by setting sex-appropriate goals is needed. However, this has not been investigated in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in exercise motivation by analyzing an open-ended questionnaire of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted among participants undergoing outpatient hemodialysis at 21 dialysis clinics. Before the intradialytic exercise program, a self-reported questionnaire was used to assess exercise purpose using open-label questions. Exercise purpose was analyzed between sexes by quantitative analysis of text, extracting frequently occurring words, creating a co-occurrence network, and constructing concepts. The basic attributes of the two groups were compared using the chi-squared and independent t tests.

RESULTS

The analysis of 669 participants who attended an exercise program showed that the common words for exercise purpose in both sexes were strength, maintenance, walking, exercise, and muscle strength. Significant differences were observed in exercise purpose. Concepts related to the purpose of exercise were categorized into (1) physical function and condition, (2) addressing limitations, and (3) maintaining daily life activities. Physical appearance was important in both sexes. The main purpose of exercise for men was to increase physical fitness and muscle strength, while that for women was to maintain or improve their current functional status and prevent limb weakness. Women had significantly weaker muscle strength and poorer exercise habits than men and had more difficulty in daily life, suggesting that their purpose for exercise was to reduce difficulties in daily life and the burden on family. Women had significantly weaker muscle strength and poorer exercise habits than men and had more difficulty in daily life, suggesting that their purpose for exercise was to reduce difficulties in daily life and the burden on family. Furthermore, fear of falls was higher in women and prevention of falls may be a key for motivation.

CONCLUSION

Exercise purpose in patients undergoing hemodialysis was summarized into the categories of physical function and condition, exercise, and daily life. Men aimed to maintain and increase their current physical status, and women aimed to reduce anxiety regarding their lower limbs and lack of exercise. It is necessary to consider sex differences in exercise purpose when designing exercise regimens and motivating participants.

Motivation, Barriers, and Suggestions for Intradialytic Exercise-A Qualitative Study among Patients and Nurses

Background: Intradialytic exercise is an effective intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality and increase quality of life among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. However, implementing and sustaining it in clinical practice has proved challenging. To identify how to best design an effective and sustainable intervention in clinical practice, we aimed to explore hemodialysis patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards intradialytic exercise, including their motivation, anticipated barriers, and suggestions for the design of a proposed exercise program. Methods: Data were collected through qualitative semistructured interviews with patients and focus group interviews with nurses and analyzed inductively with content analysis. Results: Overall, patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards intradialytic exercise were positive. Patients were motivated by their expectations about perceived benefits, such as improved quality of life and reduced musculoskeletal pain. Their main concern was triggering dialysis machine alarms and disturbing nurses. Nurses were more skeptical of intradialytic exercise and concerned about patient safety. Patients and nurses had several ideas on how to design a safe and motivating intradialytic exercise intervention. Conclusion: The analysis of patients’ and nurses’ experiences and attitudes generated recommendations for an intradialytic exercise program. Recommendations include individually tailored programs that are safe and that patients can do independently, continuous collaboration between patients, nurses, physicians, and physiotherapists, and educating nurses about the benefits and safety of intradialytic exercise.