Avaliação do nível de atividade física na vida diária de transplantados renais e de pacientes em hemodiálise

Abstract

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is a common behavior among hemodialysis (HD) patients, and is associated with negative clinical outcomes in this population. It is believed that renal transplantation has the potential to change the way of life of these patients making them more active. However, the effect of kidney transplant on physical activity has not been thoroughly investigated. There was no study that objectively assessed physical activity in renal transplant patients using accelerometer. Objective: To evaluate the physical activity in daily life in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared to HD patients and explore its relationship with clinical variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled KTRs transplanted at least six months prior the study (n=23; 48.3 ± 10.3 years) and patients undergoing HD for at least six months (n=20; 47.3 ± 12.6 years). Time spent in different activities (walking, standing, sitting, and lying down), and number of steps taken, measured by a multiaxial accelerometer used for 12 h/day on two consecutive days for KTRs and on four consecutive days for HD patients were evaluated. Results: KTRs engaged in more active time per day (sum of walking and standing time) than HD patients (311 ± 87 vs. 196 ± 54 min/day; p = 0.001), with longer walking (106 ± 53 vs. 70 ± 27 min/day; p = 0.008) and standing time (205 ± 55 vs. 126 ± 42 min/day; p < 0.001). Sixty-five percent of KTRs were classified as active (>7,500 steps/day) compared to only 20% of the HD group (p < 0.005). Active time was positively correlated with time post transplant, calcium, and hemoglobin. Conclusions: KTRs are significantly more active in daily life than HD patients, and physical activity in daily life increases with time since transplantation.