Abstract Details

Title A Survey-Based Study Examining Exercise in POTS Patients

Topic Neuromuscular and Clinical Neurophysiology (EMG)

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-006

Objective To better understand why some POTS patients do well incorporating exercise into their treatment and what barriers challenge others.

Background Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic autonomic condition in which patients experience orthostatic intolerance and abnormal tachycardia. Exercise is often recommended as a self-care modification, but many POTS patients face barriers optimizing exercise.

Design/Methods We sent an IRB-approved survey in the patient e-messaging application (MyChart) to 465 patients who have participated in a Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) by Zoom within the tertiary care center between March 2022 – October 2022. Variables considered in this survey include demographics, gender, body identity, symptoms that interfere with exercise, exercise tolerance, exercise prescription, attitude towards exercise, and exercise resource accessibility.

Results Of the 465 patients, 286 responses were formally submitted for consideration (61%). 75% of patients have had exercise recommended as a lifestyle modification. 77% of patients exercised regularly before experiencing POTS symptoms. 61% of patients do not feel satisfied with their exercise regimen. 40% feel like others are critical of how much they exercise. 58% of patients do not feel proud of how their body looks. 43% say they are ashamed of their body. 51% of patients say exercise makes them feel worse. 66% of patients want to stop exercising due to excessive sweating. 82% of patients experience dizziness while exercising. 59% of patients experience nausea while exercising.

Conclusions Most patients have exercise as part of their POTS treatment plan and had a background in exercise prior to being diagnosed. Post-diagnosis, many patients have a negative self-identity, body image, and experience symptoms while exercising that create barriers for physical activity. Managing exercise barriers for POTS patients in care delivery can improve exercise outcomes.

Authors/Disclosures
Mackaleigh A. Levine, Research Coordinator PRESENTER	Ms. Levine has nothing to disclose.
Devora Shapiro, PhD	Dr. Shapiro has nothing to disclose.
Anna K. Hayburn, PsyD	Dr. Hayburn has nothing to disclose.
Christopher J. Cantrell, MD	Mr. Cantrell has nothing to disclose.
Robert G. Wilson, DO (cleveland clinic)	Dr. Wilson has nothing to disclose.

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