Abstract:
The qualitative descriptive study aimed to describe the barriers to exercise in patients with
end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis. Participants were 13 patients with ESRD
receiving hemodialysis 3 times a week for more than 3 months. Data was collected by in-depth
interview with an open-ended questionnaire which has been verified for content validity by experts,
using tape recorder and field note. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data.
Trustworthiness was established following the guidelines of the Lincoln and Cuba.
The findings showed that barriers to exercise were described in 5 groups: 1) being in a
transitional period  could not adapt oneself 1.1) feeling of uncertainty 1.2) Lack of intensity and
consistency in exercise; 2) symptoms disturbed to exercise; 3) anxiety  fear of vascular access
complications and side effects; 4) personal characteristics and co-factors; and 5) lack of motivation
and confidence in exercise.
Recommendations: Since nurses are closely with patients, they should be an educator who
provides knowledge related to the importance and usefulness of exercise, set up appropriate physical
exercise for patients and advise them on safety of physical exercise. Nurses can also help to increase
social support from family, friends, and related health care professions; organizing group activities to
enhance motivation of the patients in order to do regularly and continuously exercise.