ArticleBMC nephrology2025
Enablers and barriers to perform upper extremity exercise among patients with newly created arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis: a qualitative study.
Article in BMC nephrology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Development, Validation, and Evaluation of a Nurse-Led Perioperative Staged Exercise Management Program for Arteriovenous Fistula: A Sequential Multiphase Study.Journal of nursing management · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundArteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred access modality for patients requiring long-term hemodialysis. To promote AVF maturation, clinicians often recommend patients to practice upper extremity exercise after the creation of fistulas. However, little is known about how patients perceive these exercises or the challenges they encounter in performing it.
methodsSemi-structured one-to-one interviews with patients were conducted. Purposive sampling was used to ensure the sample was heterogenous. Patients were recruited until thematic saturation was reached. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis in an inductive approach. Open coding was used, without restricting the focus.
resultsFour main themes and their corresponding sub-themes were identified from the analysis of 13 interviews: equipment availability and suitability, adaptive exercise routines, perceived benefits, and concrete patient education content. Incorporating exercises into daily routines emerged as a key enabler, helping patients maintain consistency and adherence. The theme of perceived benefits emphasized patients' belief in physiological improvement, their motivation to achieve catheter-free access, and their desire to avoid invasive procedures encouraged exercise compliance. However, the unavailability or unsuitable equipment, such as dumbbells or softballs, were noted to be a major obstacle. Furthermore, insufficient guidance from healthcare professionals and limited access to educational materials were also identified as challenges to adherence.
conclusionsPatients expressed the importance of clear guidance from healthcare providers, consistent motivation, access to appropriate equipment, and the integration of exercises into their daily routines to enhance adherence. Future educational programs on upper limb exercises for AVF maturation should be tailored to align with patients' daily routines and individual needs.
trial registrationNot applicable as no health care intervention was involved.
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