Self-Fitness Assessment and Exercise Motivation.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common etiology of patient morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. Exercise favorably impacts the risk factors for CVD. We conducted an observational study in prevalent transplant patients to measure their self perceived level of fitness and to determine their interest in improved fitness and motivation to exericse. Patients who were interested in improving their fitness were enrolled in an exercise rehabilitation program. Methods: Stable kidney transplant (KT) recipients >2 months (m) after transplant completed a survey about their fitness. Patients who were interested in improved fitness were enrolled into the 6m study. Subjects were asked to exercise ≥2 times/week. An exercise physiologist met individually with each patient to design a regimen focused on strength and CV health. Baseline body mass index (BMI) and monthly BMIs were recorded. Results: 83 patients completed the survey. 98% of patients who perceived themselves as not-fit were interested in increasing their fitness compared to 41% of patients who saw themselves as fit. 82% of not-fit patients were interested in a free gym/trainer but only 24% of not-fit patients were willing to pay for a gym. To date, 5 of 10 patients have completed the 6m study. 4 of 5 patients achieved the exercise frequency goal. 4 of 5 patients felt their energy level to be improved at the end of the study. 3 of 5 study patients joined a gym at study completion. 3 of 5 patients lowered or maintained their BMI. Twenty age-/sex-matched recipients were used as a control group of which 6 lowered or maintained their BMI over the same period. There were no adverse events.Table: No Caption available.Table: No Caption available.Conclusion: KT patients are interested in improving their fitness. An initial barrier is the cost of a gym membership. After participation in a free exercise program, KT patients may be more willing to pay for a gym perhaps due to positive reinforcement from improved weight management and energy levels. Investigating ways to make gym memberships more accessible to new KT patients may help reduce CVD risk factors.