m-Health-based exercise program among children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience reduced physical fitness due to inactivity, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
• Barriers like limited access, resources, and motivation hinder exercise participation in pediatric CKD.
• m-Health platforms offer a potential adaptable strategy to overcome these exercise barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of an m-Health-based exercise program for children and adolescents with CKD.
• To evaluate adherence, usability, and satisfaction with the m-Health intervention.
• To measure changes in functional outcomes, including the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) and hand grip strength (HGS).

Main Methods:

• A 4-week m-Health exercise program was implemented for 30 pediatric CKD patients (stages 3-5, ages 6-18).
• Feasibility assessed via adherence, usability, satisfaction, and telephonic interviews.
• Paired t-tests compared pre- and post-intervention 6-MWT and HGS; thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Twenty-seven participants completed the study; adherence was low (18.5%).
• High usability (51.8%) and satisfaction (70.3% parents, 62.9% participants) were reported.
• Significant improvements observed in 6-MWT (48.8m) and HGS (0.7kg) post-intervention (p<0.001, p=0.021).

Conclusions:

• The m-Health exercise program, despite low adherence, acted as a motivator for physical activity.
• It facilitated positive behavior change in pediatric CKD patients.
• The intervention shows potential for improving functional outcomes in this population.