Walking, Sedentary Time and Health-Related Quality Life Among Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) often experience reduced physical activity and increased sedentary time.
• Understanding the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is crucial for KTRs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate walking prevalence, physical activity levels, and sedentary time in KTRs.
• To examine the association between objectively measured walking, self-reported physical activity, sedentary time, and HRQoL in KTRs.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design involving KTRs.
• Utilized surveys for sedentary time, physical activity, and HRQoL, alongside pedometers for objective walking assessment.

Main Results:

• Average daily steps were 9752; 59% met physical activity guidelines.
• Sedentary time averaged 11.6 h/d on weekdays and 8.9 h/d on weekends.
• Achieving 10,000 steps/day, meeting physical activity guidelines, and lower sedentary time were associated with higher physical component scores for HRQoL.

Conclusions:

• Higher levels of walking and physical activity, coupled with reduced sedentary behavior, are linked to improved HRQoL in KTRs.
• Interventions promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time may enhance HRQoL post-transplant.