Exercise program for kidney transplant candidates

Virtually Supervised Exercise for Kidney Transplant Candidates

Not applicable Interventional Stanford University · NCT05355545

This study is testing whether a virtual exercise program can help people waiting for a kidney transplant feel stronger and less tired compared to those who only get health education.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT05355545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of a virtually supervised exercise program aimed at improving physical function in individuals awaiting kidney transplants. It is a double-blind, parallel group randomized controlled trial enrolling 80 participants over 24 weeks. The primary outcome measured will be performance on the 30-second sit-to-stand test, while secondary outcomes include changes in fatigue and depression levels. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving a health education program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are listed for a kidney transplant and experience physical difficulties related to mobility.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or have severe sensory impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance physical function and overall well-being for patients awaiting kidney transplants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions for patients with similar conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years old
* Listed for kidney transplant
* Positive answers (e.g. yes) to one of the following:

  * current difficulty with climbing up 10 stairs,
  * has changed in the past year how they climb 10 stairs
  * current difficulty with walking a 0.5 mile (5-6 blocks)
  * has changed in past year in how they walk 0.5 mile (5-6 blocks)
  * documented performance of 430 meters or less on the six minute walk test in the past 12 months
  * documented performance of 9 points or less on the Short Physical Performance Battery in the past 24 months
  * documented performance of less than 3 points or less on the five times sit to stand test in the past 24 months
* Demonstrated ability to stand up independently from a seated position and then sit back down without using their arms or an assistive device in the past 24 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not speak English
* Nursing home resident
* Severe low vision (≥20/200 with corrective lens)
* Severe hearing loss even with use of amplification preventing communication
* Unstable angina or uncontrolled arrhythmia
* Supplemental oxygen therapy
* Myocardial infarction, major heart surgery, stroke, venous thromboembolism, hip fracture, hip or knee replacement in past six months (temporary exclusion)
* ≥ 3 errors on the Six Item Screener

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Physical Disability
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.