Metabolic Profile and Myocardial Performance of Renal Transplant Recipients Participating in Unsupervised Physical...

Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are at high cardiovascular risk (CV) compared to the general population, especially after surgical treatment. The literature supports the role of supervised exercise intervention; however no data are available regarding the effects of unsupervised exercise programs. We investigated whether a home exercise program could reduce CV risk in RTR based on possible changes in renal and cardiometabolic parameters and myocardial performance measured by echocardiography.

From a large cohort of 60 RTRs, 30 RTRs (12 females and 18 males 48.3 ± 12.3 years) participated in individualized and unsupervised training programs for 6 months, at moderate intensity. Cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometric parameters, lipid and glycemic blood sample profiles were studied as was myocardial performance from the 2D echo examination at T0, and T6 months.

The lipid profile remained in the range of a low level of risk, although there was no significant improvement, whereas myocardial performance, in particular the EF, was significantly improved.

A home exercise program for at least 6 months produces positive effects on myocardial function and helps maintain a low cardiovascular risk profile. The trend supports the importance of highlighting the role of a correct reconditioning of lifestyle in RTR, from the exercise program without supervision to moderate intensity, where well tolerated.