Physical performance in kidney transplanted patients: a study on desert trekking

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Environmental Physiology

Background:

• Physical performance in kidney transplant recipients (T) in extreme environments like deserts is understudied.
• Assessing adaptations to heat and physical stress is crucial for understanding long-term transplant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical performance and physiological responses of kidney transplant recipients during a 5-day desert trek.
• To compare these adaptations with a healthy control group (C).

Main Methods:

• Six kidney transplant recipients and eight control subjects participated in a 5-day desert trek.
• Physiological parameters including blood pressure, hydration status (Height2/Rz), heart rate, energy expenditure, and walking velocity were monitored using wearable devices and bioimpedance.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in blood pressure, hydration status, heart rate, walking velocity, or physical activity intensity between T and C groups.
• Kidney transplant recipients showed a significant reduction in heart rate from day 1 to day 5, unlike controls.
• Two transplant patients on steroid treatment exhibited relative hyperhydration.

Conclusions:

• Kidney transplant recipients with adequate renal function (creatinine clearance > 55 ml/min) exhibit acceptable physical performance and physiological acclimatization to desert trekking.
• These findings suggest a good long-term outcome for kidney transplantation, even in challenging environmental conditions.