Prehabilitation exercise program for kidney transplant patients

The Effect of a Prehabilitation Exercise Program on Physical Functioning for Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation

NA · University of British Columbia · NCT04044963

This study is testing if a home exercise program can help people waiting for a kidney transplant get stronger and recover better after their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia (other)
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT04044963 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the impact of a home-based prehabilitation exercise program on the physical functioning of patients awaiting kidney transplantation. It aims to improve pre-operative physical fitness and post-operative outcomes by implementing an exercise intervention before surgery. Participants will undergo various assessments, including the 6-minute walk test and quality of life surveys, at multiple time points throughout the study. The goal is to determine if prehabilitation can reduce complications and enhance recovery after renal transplantation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 19 and older who are physically able to participate in a home-based exercise program and are receiving care at Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable pulmonary or cardiac conditions, recent fractures, or those unable to understand the study's purpose may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved recovery and reduced complications for kidney transplant patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of prehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific approach for kidney transplantation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ability to physically participate in a home-based prehabilitation program and all functional outcome measures
2. Ability to read and write in English to respond to study questionnaires
3. Age = to or \> 19 and any gender
4. Receiving care at Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital
5. Has been fully worked up for suitability for renal transplantation
6. Received physician clearance to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unstable pulmonary or symptomatic cardiac disease
2. Recent fracture or acute musculoskeletal injury that precludes the ability to exercise

4\. Is unable to understand the purpose of the study, or cannot give written consent

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

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: End Stage Renal Disease, Renal transplantation, Prehabilitation

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.