Home-based Exercise and Physical Activity Intervention After Kidney Transplantation: Impact of Exercise Intensity
This multicentre two-phased RCT aims to evaluate implementation potential, cost-effectiveness, effectiveness, and the role of exercise intensity of a home-based exercise and physical activity intervention to improve de novo kidney transplant recipients' physical fitness, cardiovascular health, gut microbiome characteristics, and health-related quality of life. The first phase of this study comprehends a six-month exercise training intervention. Patients will be randomized into (i) a sham intervention consisting of low-intensity balance and stretching exercises (LIT), (ii) a moderate-intensity aerobic and strength training intervention (MIT), or (iii) a moderate- and high-intensity aerobic and strength training intervention (MHIT). The second phase of this study comprehends a physical activity maintenance intervention provided to MIT and MHIT but not LIT. A total of 147 de novo kidney transplant recipients will be recruited from two independent Belgian transplant centres i.e. UZ Leuven and UZ Ghent.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  De novo adult KTRs  Exclusion Criteria:  Underlying heart disease, defined as aberrant CPET, unstable angina, non-revascularized lesions or life-threatening arrhythmias Uncontrolled hypertension Uncontrolled diabetes, defined as HbA1c ≥ 9% Musculoskeletal disorders not allowing physical training on a cycle ergometer, or any other medical reasons by the physician considered to be a contraindication for moderate or high-intensity physical exercise Multi-organ transplantation Ongoing treatment for malignancies Unable to understand Dutch No access to smartphone and/or computer with internet access Severe pulmonary disease defined as either forced vital capacity (FVC) <50%, one-second value (FEV1) <50%, or a diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) <40% that excludes all serious underlying respiratory disease (pulmonary fibrosis, COPD GOLD II-IV, PAH). - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult