Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Renal Transplant Recipients during an unsupervised physical exercise program

Objective: Muscle weakness, incorrect body water distribution and reduced exercise tolerance are the main characteristics found in renal transplant recipients after surgical treatment. Regular physical supervised exercise programs, at moderate intensity, have been promoted to contrast these aspects, while few data are available for long-term unsupervised mixed exercise plans. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) provides a semi-quantitative evaluation of body cell mass and body water. This study aims to approach the role of the BIVA analysis in the follow-up up of Renal Transplant Group (RTG) and analyse the impact of unsupervised exercise program. Methods: 13 male RTG and ten healthy subjects, adherent to a tailored exercise program, at moderate intensity and prescribed in an unsupervised way, have been followed up for one year. Every six months all the subjects have been submitted to the ergo-metric test, echocardiographic exam and an analysis of body composition by bioimpedance. They were compared to a healthy control group (HG) Results: a significant reduction of the BMI was observed at the end of the study in the RTG group (T0=24.8±3.2, T12= 24.2±3.2 Kg/m2; p<0.05). BIVA has shown a lower right quadrant for RTG. All echocardiographic parameters were in a normal range, and no differences were found over time. Conclusion: Unsupervised tailored and mixed exercise intervention reduces some cardiovascular risks factors. However, it does not modify the frailty of RTG. BIVA analysis seems to have appropriate sensitivity to highlight this aspect.