Perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity in kidney transplant recipients

Relatively few transplant recipients participate in regular physical activity. There is a paucity of information regarding barriers and facilitators to physical activity in kidney transplant recipients.

To investigate factors that transplant recipients perceive as barriers and facilitators to physical activity and whether these barriers and facilitators differ on the basis of transplant patients' reported level of physical activity.

Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 100 kidney transplant recipients provided survey data on a physical activity questionnaire on their current levels of physical activity and determinants that influence participation in physical activity.

The "rarely/never" (32%) physical activity group reported more frequent barriers and the "often" (20%) group reported the least. Overall, perceived facilitators were reported most frequently by the "often" (80%) physical activity group and least by the "rarely/never" (67%) group.

Motivational interventions should focus on diminishing perceived barriers in the less physically active transplant recipients and enhancing perception of health-related facilitators. Nurses should be innovative in customizing interventions, recommending structured physical activity programs, and encouraging less structured, enjoyable ways to increase activities that expend energy. Interventions with achievable outcomes and realistic expectations are more acceptable to patients.