Perception of exercise benefits and barriers in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital – A cross-sectional study

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health concern that may advance to end-stage renal disease, frequently necessitating haemodialysis or alternative renal replacement therapy. This ailment substantially impacts quality of life; however, consistent exercise can assist in managing numerous issues associated with it. Nonetheless, views on the advantages and obstacles of exercise significantly influence exercise behaviour. Objective This study sought to investigate the perceptions of benefits and barriers to exercise among CKD patients undergoing haemodialysis in India. Method A cross-sectional survey was performed involving 323 haemodialysis patients, who were evaluated using the Dialysis Patient-Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale. Descriptive statistics were employed for the analysis of data. Results The findings indicated that the most commonly cited advantages of exercise included mood enhancement (91.38%), enhanced self-care abilities (87.69%), motivation for an active lifestyle (87.08%) and heightened appetite (84.31%). The predominant hurdles identified were lower extremity muscle weariness (63.69%), apprehension regarding heightened thirst (64%), persistent fatigue (73.23%) and insufficient information regarding exercise (65.54%). Conclusion Although acknowledging the advantages, the majority of patients did not participate in consistent physical activity. The study showed that although CKD patients undergoing haemodialysis recognise the beneficial effects of exercise, such as enhanced mood and self-care capabilities, obstacles such as exhaustion, thirst and insufficient exercise knowledge hinder their ability to integrate it into their daily routine.