Cardiovascular fitness assessment in renal organ transplants

PURPOSE Regular Physical exercise is a new method to reduce the metabolic syndrome in presence of solid transplantations. An Italian pilot study is going to assess the benefits of a supervised exercise training program, in renal solid organ recipients. METHODS: By the informed consent, 6 renal transplant recipients patients , were submitted to supervised aerobic exercise program , whose intensity , duration and frequency were established after a cardiopulmonary exercise test. An echocardiographic exam, skin fold, bio impedance analysis, and test of strength for the lower limbs (leg press for the quadriceps and calf) and higher limb (arm curl, french press and lateral lift) were also performed. The exercises consisted in 30 minutes of aerobic training at the intensity of aerobic threshold and 2 sets of 20 repetitions at 35% of the maximum load for each resistance exercise. RESULTS. All the echocardiographic parameters are normal ( LVDd mm 48.0±3.6; LVSd mm 30.0±5.4;CMI (m/m²) 116.8±21.7;EF%62.0±3.2;E peck cm/sec 85.2±15.2;DT cm/sec 212.7±58.0). These values will then be updated every six months to adapt the program that will end after one year of training. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular fitness assessment after renal transplantation is an essential requirement to start with an aerobic and resistance exercise program. The physical exercise is a promising tool in this special category despite the eventual long term positive impact is not yet demonstrated.