Psychometrically validated questionnaires to measure the effects and benefits/barriers to physical exercise in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a critical assessment, summarize, and synthesize the evidence from studies using psychometrically validated questionnaires to assess the effects and benefits/barriers of physical exercise in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

The search was performed on six electronic databases. It was conducted following the PRISMA statement and the PICO framework. The methodological quality was assessed using the MMAT. Were used the quality criteria for psychometric properties developed by Terwee et al.

Results

Overall, 70 studies were included, and 39 questionnaires identified, evaluating 13 outcomes. The quality of the psychometric properties of the questionnaires was not always described; only 13 presented positive ratings on > =6/9 properties. The most assessed measure was criterion validity, and the least assessed criteria was responsiveness. The most outcome measured by these questionnaires was quality of life using SF-36, followed by psychological health using the BDI. The DPEBBS was the only instrument identified that assessed the benefits and barriers of exercise.

Conclusion

Quality of life and depression were the most frequent outcomes. Other measures contemplating physical, mental, cognitive performance, and especially of the perceptions benefits and barriers to exercise should be further investigated. We have clearly identified the need for more studies evaluating psychometric measures that have not been tested satisfactorily or hardly been tested at all.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Reliable instruments, valid and structurally adequate were identified to support clinicians and researchers in measuring important outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

• Quality of life and depression were the most frequent outcomes with good research instruments.

• A gap was identified related to instruments that assess physical, mental, cognitive performance, and perceptions of benefits and barriers to exercise in hemodialysis patients.

Keywords:

• Surveys and questionnaires
• psychometrics
• exercise training
• perception
• end-stage renal disease

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Author contributions

MM, DB, GG and MP contributed to initiating and designing the systematic review. MM, DB, KS and GL contributed to data collection. MM, DB, and GG contributed to the analysis and interpretation of the data. MM and DB drafted the manuscript. GG and MP critically revised the manuscript. All authors gave final approval and agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work ensuring integrity and accuracy.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.