The Effect of a Prehabilitation Exercise Program on Physical Functioning for Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation

What this study is about

Pre-operative physical functioning has been acknowledged as a factor influencing post-operative complication risk, recovery progression and mortality risk. Current guidelines have yet to focus on the pre-operative period as a potential target to improve levels of physical functioning before renal transplantation. This project proposes the introduction of an exercise intervention pre-operatively to mitigate functional decline pre-operatively and improve post-operative outcomes following renal transplantation. We hypothesize that a home-based exercise prehabilitation program prior to kidney transplantation will result in improved functional outcomes including the 6-minute walk test, 60-second timed sit to stand, Fried Frailty Score, quality of life and fatigue. Further we hypothesize that prehabilitation will result in improved outcomes regarding post-operative recovery, complication rate, length of stay and mortality. Objectives A) Identify whether a prehabilitation program can mitigate functional decline pre-operatively regarding walking speed, strength, endurance, quality of life and fatigue B) To determine whether a tailored home-based exercise program prior to kidney transplantation is feasible with regards to adherence in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). C) To determine if a prehabilitation program results in improved clinical outcomes within one week following Kidney Transplantation (KT) as well as at 30 and 90 days including but not limited to time to first ambulation, time to first bowel movement, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), mortality and length of stay. D) Quantify the differences described above, if any exist.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Ability to physically participate in a home-based prehabilitation program and all functional outcome measures
• Ability to read and write in English to respond to study questionnaires
• Age = to or > 19 and any gender
• Receiving care at Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital
• Has been fully worked up for suitability for renal transplantation
• Received physician clearance to participate

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Unstable pulmonary or symptomatic cardiac disease
• Recent fracture or acute musculoskeletal injury that precludes the ability to exercise
• Is unable to understand the purpose of the study, or cannot give written consent

Where this trial is running

• Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Who to contact

Christopher Nguan, MD · 6048755961 · chris.nguan@ubcurology.com

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT04044963.