Brazilian nephrologist's knowledge of intradialytic exercise: a national survey

Nephrologists' lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of intradialytic exercise (IE) may result in patients not being adequately instructed to participate in exercise programs and to become more active.

To evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian nephrologists regarding guidance and importance of IE for patients with chronic kidney disease.

This was a cross-sectional survey of 16 items administered to Brazilian nephrologists actively registered with the Brazilian Nephrology Society.

A total of 262 nephrologists participated in the study. Most of the participants were from the southeast region (n = 124, 47.3%). Additionally, 140 nephrologists (53.4%) had more than 11 years of experience. Notably, 172 nephrologists (65.5%) reported that they had not received information about the importance of IE during their formal training. Nephrologists endorsing exercise during the intradialytic period (OR = 2.00, p = 0.03) perceive its impact on their patients (OR = 6.21, p = 0.01). With an increase in years of nephrology training, there was a decreased likelihood of being informed about IE (OR = 0.13, p < 0.01). The willingness to provide exercise guidance for CKD patients is associated with nephrologists' perception of the impact of exercise (OR 7.07, p = 0.01).

Most nephrologists were not knowledgeable about IE, those who were knowledgeable were more likely to recommend it, and those with more years of experience tended to be less knowledgeable about IE. Having this knowledge seems to have the potential to reduce barriers that affect the practice of IE.