Renal function and physical fitness after 12-mo supervised training in kidney transplant recipients

To evaluate the effect of a 12-mo supervised aerobic and resistance training, on renal function and exercise capacity compared to usual care recommendations.

Ninety-nine kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were assigned to interventional exercise (Group A; n = 52) and a usual care cohort (Group B; n = 47). Blood and urine chemistry, exercise capacity, muscular strength, anthropometric measures and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed at baseline, and after 6 and 12 mo. Group A underwent a supervised training three times per week for 12 mo. Group B received only general recommendations about home-based physical activities.

Eighty-five KTRs completed the study (Group A, n = 44; Group B, n = 41). After 12 mo, renal function remained stable in both groups. Group A significantly increased maximum workload (+13 W, P = 0.0003), V'O₂ peak (+3.1 mL/kg per minute, P = 0.0099), muscular strength in plantar flexor (+12 kg, P = 0.0368), height in the countermovement jump (+1.9 cm, P = 0.0293) and decreased in Body Mass Index (-0.5 kg/m², P = 0.0013). HRQoL significantly improved in physical function (P = 0.0019), physical-role limitations (P = 0.0321) and social functioning scales (P = 0.0346). No improvements were found in Group B.

Twelve-month of supervised aerobic and resistance training improves the physiological variables related to physical fitness and cardiovascular risks without consequences on renal function. Recommendations alone are not sufficient to induce changes in exercise capacity of KTRs. Our study is an example of collaborative working between transplant centres, sports medicine and exercise facilities.