Page 69 - Physical activity in recipients of solid organ transplantation - Edwin J. van Adrichem

Physical activity in recipients of solid organ transplantation
‘So, it’s mainly due to the loss of coordination, that’s the hardest part. When kicking a ball
and standing on one leg, stu

like that, then you experience a barrier.’
(LungTx, male, 53 years)

e aspect strength was indicated in half of the interviews and was described in
relation to experienced physical limitations. Inadequate strength to perform activities was
experienced as a motivator to perform strength training by some but was experienced as a
barrier to be physically active by others.
‘I really had a lot of need for strength training. I noticed that my entire body had actually
failed. I needed to do some muscle building’
(HeartTx, male, 51)
Comorbidities were also mentioned in relation to experienced physical limitations.
As comorbidities limited the physical capacity or interfered with PA behavior in another
way they were only mentioned as barriers.
‘
So, I had some problems with my heart, chronic atrial

brillation. And once in a while it
really seriously skipped a beat and then it frightened me a little. So I was afraid of it.’
(LungTx, male, 53 years)

e majority of participants mentioned their energy level. Energy level was
primarily stated as a barrier to PA but was described as a facilitator as well. A lack of
energy to perform PA was usually mentioned in combination with goal priority. Other
social activities or obligations were preferred instead of PA. Some participants perceived
that being physically active could also lead to a feeling of increased energy and thereby be
facilitating.
‘I’m kind of in a dilemma, because when I use my energy for school I cannot use it for Finally, participants mentioned weight as a personal physical barrier or facilitator.
medication use and weight gain.
sports.’
(LiverTx,male, 22 years)
Being overweight was a barrier to some due to a perceived increased threshold for
initiating being active. Others indicated that maintaining or reducing weight was a
facilitator for being active, which was often related to the suspected relationship between
‘Look, I have gained weight enormously and it is not like it is limiting me in my daily life,
not really, but I do have a higher threshold towards sports engagement.’
(HeartTx,male, 51 years)
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