Perceived Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Recipients of Solid Organ Transplantation, a Qualitative Study.
BACKGROUND
Sufficient physical activity is important for solid organ transplant recipients (heart, lung, liver, kidney). However, recipients do not meet the recommended amount or required type of physical activity. The perceived barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in this population are largely unknown.


METHODS
Semi-structured in depth interviews were conducted with solid organ transplant recipients in order to explore experienced barriers and facilitators. Qualitative methodology with thematic line-by-line analysis was used for analysis, and derived themes were classified into personal and environmental factors.


RESULTS
The most important indicated barriers were physical limitations, insufficient energy level, fear, and comorbidities. The most frequently mentioned facilitators included motivation, coping, consequences of (in)activity, routine/habit, goals/goal priority, and responsibility for the transplanted organ. Neutral factors acting as a barrier or facilitator were self-efficacy and expertise of personnel. A comparison of barriers and facilitators between transplant recipient groups yielded no overt differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Several personal and environmental factors were indicated that should be considered in intervention development to increase physical activity behavior in solid organ transplant recipients.
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, the Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Transplant Center, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Edwin J
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1192-2935
EJ
van Adrichem
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Saskia C
SC
van de Zande
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center of Sports Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Rienk
R
Dekker
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Transplant Center, Groningen, the Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Erik A M
EA
Verschuuren
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Pieter U
PU
Dijkstra
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, the Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Cees P
CP
van der Schans
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010465:Perception; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012931:Social Environment; D055815:Young Adult