Outcomes of a Pre-operative Exercise Programme for Live Donor and Recipient Kidney Transplant Patients
This study is exploring if a special exercise programme before a kidney transplant is helpful for both people donating a kidney and those receiving one. Participants will use a wearable smart device (like a smartwatch or ring) to monitor their activity. The main aim is to see if this type of exercise, done at home or in a gym, is easy for people to do and if it can improve how well they recover after their operation. Researchers also want to find out if the information from the wearable device can give clues about how well someone will do after surgery, and if good sleep around the time of the operation affects recovery.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you're preparing for a kidney transplant, either as a donor or a recipient, you might be wondering about ways to get ready for the surgery and boost your recovery. This study is designed to explore whether an exercise programme started before your operation can make a positive difference. We want to understand if doing these exercises is something people find manageable and enjoyable, especially when using a smart device to help keep track.
The main idea behind this study is called 'prehabilitation' – that's simply getting yourself in the best possible shape before a big surgery. The researchers are keen to learn if this type of preparation, which you can do using video instructions, leads to better results after your kidney transplant. This could mean a smoother recovery or fewer complications. They're also interested in whether the information collected by the smart device, like your activity levels or sleep patterns, can give valuable insights into how your body responds to the surgery and healing process.
Ultimately, this research aims to find new ways to support patients going through kidney transplant surgery. By understanding the role of pre-operative exercise and smart technology, we hope to improve the experience and outcomes for future kidney donors and recipients. This study could help doctors and nurses recommend the best ways to prepare for this life-changing operation.
Key takeaways
- This study explores pre-op exercise for kidney transplant patients and living donors.
- It uses a wearable smart device to monitor activity and recovery.
- The goal is to see if exercise before surgery leads to better results.
- Participation involves 14 weeks of wearing a device and 6 weeks of home-based exercise before surgery.
- Your experiences and data could help improve care for future transplant patients.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this important study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You must also be either a person who is donating a kidney to someone (a live donor) or someone who is receiving a kidney from a living donor (a transplant recipient).
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you're receiving a kidney from someone who has sadly passed away, this study wouldn't be right for you. Also, if you can't comfortably wear a smart device, or if you have certain serious heart or brain conditions that have happened recently, you wouldn't be able to participate. It's also important that you're able to understand and agree to take part, can speak English, and have access to a smartphone or similar device to use with the wearable.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you a living kidney donor or receiving a living donor kidney?
- Can you comfortably wear a smart device (on your wrist or finger)?
- Do you have access to a smartphone or similar device?
- Are you able to speak English and give consent?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, your involvement would last for a total of 14 weeks. During this time, you would wear a special device, either on your wrist like a watch or as a ring, for the entire period. This device will help track your activity and other information.
For 6 weeks before your operation, you would follow an exercise programme. This is something you'd do at home or in a gym, guided by video instructions. You'll also be asked to keep a diary and fill out some questionnaires about your experiences with the exercise and the wearable device. After your operation, you will continue wearing the device for another 6 weeks. The study aims to understand your journey from before the transplant, during the preparation, and through the early stages of recovery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Manchester Royal InfirmaryManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What kind of exercise will I be doing?
You'll be guided by video instructions for an exercise programme you can do at home or in a gym. It's designed to help you prepare for your transplant.
What's a 'wearable smart device'?
It's a small electronic device, like a smartwatch or a smart ring, that you wear to track your activity and other health information.
How long will I have to wear the device?
You'll wear the device for a total of 14 weeks: 2 weeks before you start exercising, 6 weeks during the exercise programme leading up to surgery, and 6 weeks after your operation.
Will taking part affect my regular medical care?
No, joining the study will not affect the usual medical care you receive for your kidney transplant.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Gareth Kitchen
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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