The effect of motivational interviewing on the intradialytic exerciser: a pilot study

Chronic renal failure is a complex condition in which a plethora of psychological and physiological complications may occur and for which haemodialysis is one treatment option. Patients at Hampstead Dialysis Centre, South Australia, are offered the option to exercise whilst undergoing dialysis (intradialytic exercise) with the assistance of dedicated exercise physiologists, as it may ameliorate some of the ubiquitous symptoms of their renal condition. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the provision of motivational interviewing (MI) would increase the uptake of intradialytic exercise in patients who did not exercise at all or who exercise at minimal levels. MI is a patient-centered method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from eight patients. A single case experimental design was used, given the small sample and absence of a control group. Perceived usefulness of the intervention for patients was elicited from the exercise physiologists via in-depth interviews at the conclusion of the study. A high dropout rate occurred and p values were not significant. Despite the inability to make generalizations, there were some noteworthy trends, particularly the link between overall exercise behaviour, lower DASS scores and higher exercise self determination (BREQ-2).