Exercise Program for Kidney Transplant Candidates
(KINETIC Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether a home-based exercise program can help individuals awaiting a kidney transplant become more active and improve their physical abilities. It will assess the program's safety and participants' adherence. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving usual care with a physical activity tracker, and the other receiving both usual care and access to an online exercise program. The trial suits those over 60, on the kidney transplant list at Penn Medicine, able to walk, and experiencing some physical limitations or frailty. The study aims to discover better ways to support kidney transplant candidates through exercise. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance support for future transplant candidates.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for kidney transplant candidates?
Research has shown that home-based exercise programs are generally safe for individuals awaiting a kidney transplant. One study found that pre-surgery exercise improved physical fitness without causing harm. Participants engaged in exercise sessions, and the program was well-received and manageable.
Another study confirmed the safety and feasibility of these programs for people with kidney disease. Participants experienced no major negative effects and adhered to the exercise plans.
Overall, evidence suggests that these exercise programs can safely enhance fitness for those awaiting a kidney transplant.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the impact of structured exercise programs as part of pre-transplant care for kidney transplant candidates. Unlike standard care, which typically focuses on medical management and lifestyle advice, this trial integrates a 12-week, home-based exercise prehabilitation program. This program includes access to live and on-demand exercise classes tailored for kidney disease patients, delivered remotely and tracked with a wrist-worn activity device. By incorporating regular physical activity, the trial aims to see if structured exercise can improve patients' overall health and readiness for transplant, potentially enhancing outcomes and recovery.
What evidence suggests that this exercise program is effective for kidney transplant candidates?
This trial will compare two approaches for kidney transplant candidates: a usual care approach with a physical activity tracker and an exercise prehabilitation program with a physical activity tracker. Studies have shown that exercise programs benefit people waiting for a kidney transplant. Research indicates that an 8-week exercise plan may boost exercise ability and muscle strength in those preparing for a transplant. Another study suggested that these programs can improve physical function and might ease the transplant process. Prehabilitation, which involves preparing for surgery through exercise, has proven safe and helpful for patients needing organ transplants. Overall, exercise could lead to better outcomes for those awaiting a kidney transplant.23456
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sarah Schrauben, MD, MSCE
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 60 or older who are on the kidney transplant waiting list at Penn Medicine. Participants must be able to walk, have some physical limitations or signs of frailty, speak English, and have internet access. They also need medical clearance to safely exercise.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Participants complete a one-week baseline period to establish baseline step counts prior to randomization
Treatment
Participants in the exercise group take part in a 12-week home-based exercise program with online classes and activity tracking
Extended Treatment
Participants continue the exercise program for another 12 weeks without reminders and feedback
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity and function, and safety outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise Rehabilitation Program with Physical Activity Tracker
Trial Overview
The study compares usual pre-transplant care with a physical activity tracker versus the same care plus a home-based online exercise program. Participants are randomly assigned to groups and tracked over several months to see if the exercise program improves their activity and function.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants in this arm will continue to receive their usual pre-transplant care provided by the transplant center. In addition, participants will receive a wrist-worn physical activity tracker to measure daily activity, including step counts. Participants will be asked to wear the activity tracker throughout the study period, but they will not receive structured exercise programming or exercise-related coaching as part of the study.
Participants in this arm will continue to receive their usual pre-transplant care and will also take part in a 12-week, home-based exercise prehabilitation program. Participants will receive a wrist-worn physical activity tracker and access to an online exercise platform designed for people with kidney disease. The program includes live and on-demand exercise classes that focus on light-to-moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercises. Participants will be asked to complete at least two exercise classes per week. The intervention is delivered remotely, and participants will complete a brief virtual orientation before starting the program.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator
Citations
Exercise-Based Prehabilitation for Kidney Transplant ...
An 8-week exercise-based prehabilitation program may improve KT candidates' exercise ... kidney transplant outcomes. Clin Transplant. 2022 ...
Prehabilitation Prior to Kidney Transplantation - PMC - NIH
These pilot study findings suggest that prehabilitation is feasible in pre-transplant patients and may potentially be a strategy to improve post-KT outcomes.
Exercise-Based Prehabilitation for Kidney Transplant ...
... outcomes were prespecified. Conclusions. An 8-week exercise-based prehabilitation program may improve KT candidates' exercise capacity, muscle function, and ...
Prehabilitation for Kidney Transplant Candidates
This pilot study is a prospective, non-randomized, interventional trial of measures of prehabilitation in kidney transplant candidates who are frail. Kidney ...
Prehabilitation for kidney transplant candidates: Is it time?
Frailty and poor fitness powerfully predict mortality, transplant graft survival, and healthcare utilization after kidney transplantation.
The potential of prehabilitation to enhance recovery in ...
Sarcopenic|frail older candidates to kidney transplant may benefit from prehabilitation. •. Prehabilitation programs should be multimodal to accomplish success.
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.