Exercise program for kidney transplant recipients

Structured Program of Exercise for Recipients of Kidney Transplantation

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT04954690

This study is testing whether a structured exercise program can help older patients waiting for a kidney transplant improve their physical function and walking ability compared to those who just receive regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment136 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT04954690 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured exercise program for older patients awaiting kidney transplantation. It will compare the outcomes of participants engaged in the exercise program against those receiving usual care. The study will involve 72 participants and assess changes in physical function and walking ability over an 8-week period and at 3 months post-transplant. An initial adaptation phase will gather feedback from patient-caregiver dyads to refine the intervention before the main trial begins.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older who are on dialysis and have a living donor kidney.

Not a fit: Patients who are already participating in an exercise program or are non-English speakers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance physical function and overall health outcomes for older kidney transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of prehabilitation has been explored in other surgical populations, this specific approach for kidney transplant recipients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* On hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
* Age ≥ 50 years
* SPPB score ≤ 10
* Telephone access
* Internet access
* Having a living donor kidney

Exclusion Criteria:

* Already in an exercise program
* Non-English speakers

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Kidney Transplant, Complications, Dialysis, Physical Disability, Frailty Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.