Impact Of A 12-week Cardiovascular And Strength Training Program On The Health And Quality Of Life Scores Of Kidney Transplant Patients

PURPOSE: Kidney transplant patients face many health challenges, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which impacts longevity and quality of life. Research indicates regular exercise can improve risk factors for these conditions, improve quality of life, mitigate comorbidities and reduce fall risk and rehospitalization. Exercise may improve symptoms of depression, suffered by many transplant patients due to inability to work, lack of independence and financial strains. Physical rehabilitation programs have been standard of care following heart and lung transplants, but not kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We recruited 21 patients (mean age 55 years); who had received a kidney transplant within 24 months and were not currently exercising. Patients completed two supervised aerobic and strength training sessions per week. They were also given access to a hospital-based wellness center seven days per week. Patients were assessed for general health, cardiovascular fitness, endurance, fall risk and completed the Quality of Life survey prior to the start of the exercise. program RESULTS :Sit to stand scores improved by 39.9 percent. One-legged balance scores improved by 162.9 percent (right) and 120.2 percent (left); 50-foot walk improved by 15.25 percent and six-minute walk improved by 18.26 percent. Patients also reported an 6.8% improvement in QOL score. CONCLUSIONS:A regular, supervised exercise program, led by clinically trained exercise physiologists, resulted in improved cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and mood state in kidney transplant recipients. Compliance rate was 88 percent, which exceeds that of most. rehabilitation programs, Supported by: Ascension Foundation