Simultaneous Improvement of Habitual Physical Activity and Life Quality in Kidney Transplant Recipients Involved in Structured Physical Activity Program

Transplant Proc. 2019 Jul-Aug;51(6):1822-1830. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.02.037.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a physical activity program on daily physical activity and quality of life in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 24 KTx recipients and 15 patients with stage 3 to 4 CKD. Habitual physical activity was monitored for 72 hours. Individualized structured programs of increased physical activity were prepared based on baseline physical performance. The measurements were repeated after 1 and 3 months. Participants completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire and an International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 months.

Results: Physical activity duration and total energy expenditure significantly increased after 3 months in both KTx recipients (from 126 ± 87 to 200 ± 132 min/d, P = .001, and from 1.73 ± 0.37 to 2.24 ± 0.59 cal/min, P < .001, respectively) and CKD patients (from 79 ± 78 to 129 ± 114 min/d, P < .001, and from 1.5 ± 0.5 to 1.92 ± 0.47 cal/min, P < .001, respectively). Short Form Health Survey total score and physical component scale score improved significantly in both groups. Mental component scale score increased significantly only in KTx patients.

Conclusion: Increased physical activity induces similar beneficial effects on total and physical activity component of quality of life and habitual daily activity in CKD and KTx patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Exercise Therapy / psychology*
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / psychology
  • Kidney Transplantation / rehabilitation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Period
  • Quality of Life*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / psychology
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / rehabilitation*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / surgery
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transplant Recipients / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome