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Poor physical function and low levels of physical activity are associated with negative health outcomes in people receiving peritoneal dialysis, such as technique failure and mortality. Exercise programs may promote adequate levels of physical function and independence, which are essential health aspects for people choosing this home-based therapy. We explored exercise-related perceptions and practices of peritoneal dialysis kidney care professionals throughout Latin America.
A cross-sectional web-based survey with 13 items was disseminated to peritoneal dialysis kidney care professionals through an expanded network within each country and the regional Societies of Nephrology.
83 kidney care professionals (46% nephrologists, 39% nephrology nurses, 6% exercise professionals, 5% dietitians, and 5% others; 66% female) responded to the survey, mainly from Brazil (24%), Mexico (16%), Argentina (8%), and Peru (8%). Most of these professionals (81%) reported to be working with peritoneal dialysis > 5 years, and 36% usually managing between 20 to 50 patients. Exercise-related recommendations were reported for falls (74%), activity following catheter insertion (37%), weightlifting (33%), and swimming (15%). A minority of respondents (15%) had an exercise professional in their nephrology unit, even though most agreed (91%) patients would benefit from an exercise professional in their unit. Most respondents (96%) reported that a structured exercise program would help people receiving peritoneal dialysis and believed they could perform more exercise (83%). Furthermore, most (69%) agreed that patients could safely perform abdominal strengthening exercises, whereas 19% were unsure, and 27% disagreed.
In Latin America, most kidney care professionals recognized the importance of exercise for people receiving peritoneal dialysis and agree that exercise professionals and structured exercise programs would benefit the standard care of people receiving this dialysis modality to maintain physical independence.