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Abstract: FR-OR74

Physical Activity Perceptions and Practices of People Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis: An International Cross-Sectional Survey

Session Information

Category: Dialysis

  • 802 Dialysis: Home Dialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

Authors

  • MacRae, Jennifer M., University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Tam, Trinity Alexandria, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Bohm, Clara, University of Manitoba Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • Harrison, Tyrone, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Bennett, Paul N., Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
  • Verdin, Nancy, GREX, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
  • Scholes-Robertson, Nicole Jane, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  • Warren, Madeleine, Warren-Charnock Associates, Coventry, United Kingdom
  • Thompson, Stephanie E., University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Background

Life participation is a core patient-reported outcome for people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) that is dependent on physical activity engagement and adequate physical function. Little is known about exercise practice patterns or perceptions of people receiving PD. The aim was to describe the physical activity and exercise practices and perceptions of people receiving PD to inform patient education, future areas of research, and clinical recommendations.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, web-based 25 item survey (16 perception and practice questions, 9 demographic questions) was co-developed and pilot tested by persons living with kidney disease, PD clinicians and exercise specialists. Adults who currently or previously received PD were invited to participate in the survey. Recruitment was completed through national and international kidney organization websites and social media platforms. All variables were reported descriptively, and free text responses were collated and summarized.

Results

There were 114 respondents, 6 excluded due to duplication or incompletion, the majority were from Canada (68%), United Kingdom (25%) and 7% other. Women represented 55% of respondents, with most 50-64 years old (43.5%). Forty-one percent received PD for 1-3 years and 72.9% had post secondary education. Physical activity was felt to be beneficial by 91.8% of respondents and 40% reported they had good physical function (could walk an unlimited distance without stopping). Variable medical advice regarding swimming and weightlifting emerged: 44% were told they could or could not swim, and respondents were told to limit weight lifting from 2 to 45 kg. A minority of respondents reported receiving instructions on draining PD fluid prior to physical activity (28% yes, 53% no, 19% unsure).

Conclusion

Survey respondents were knowledgeable regarding benefits of exercise and physical activity on physical and mental health for people receiving PD. Knowledge gaps emerged including maximum weightlifting, whether exercise was safe with or without intrabdominal PD fluid in situ, and whether swimming is allowed. Education for both health care providers and patients is needed regarding the practice of exercise for people receiving PD.