Virtual Home-Based Exercise and Education Program for Adults Awaiting Kidney Transplantation A Pilot Study to Test Feasibility and Acceptability

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates the feasibility of a virtual home-based pre-habilitation program for adults with end-stage kidney disease awaiting kidney transplant. The study aims to evaluate how many candidates meet eligibility, consent to participate, adhere to the program, complete follow-up, and their acceptance of the intervention. The trial compares this virtual pre-habilitation plus usual care against usual outpatient care alone in kidney transplant candidates. Participants in the intervention group receive a 12-week supervised virtual exercise program led by a kinesiologist, including individualized sessions and independent exercises starting week 5. After 12 weeks, a 5-month maintenance phase continues with home exercises three times per week. Educational videos and stress coping materials are also provided. The control group receives usual outpatient care, including medical visits, nutrition, and psychological support, with educational resources shared after the study. Participants undergo nutrition screening and complete questionnaires on anxiety and depression, with abnormal scores reported to their transplant team. Assessments include physical function, frailty measures, quality of life, nutrition status, and biochemical tests at baseline, during follow-up, and post-transplant if applicable. The study tracks adherence, follow-up rates, and safety over up to 8 months or until transplantation. The trial will help plan a larger study on pre-habilitation effectiveness in this population.

Virtual Home-based Physical Pre-habilitation in Kidney Transplant Candidates