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Small effort, high impact: Focus on physical activity improves oxygen uptake ( VO 2peak ), quality of life, and mental health after pediatric renal transplantation
Author(s) -
Thorsteinsdottir Hjørdis,
Diseth Trond H.,
Lie Anine,
Tangeraas Trine,
Matthews Iren,
Åsberg Anders,
Bjerre Anna
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1399-3046
pISSN - 1397-3142
DOI - 10.1111/petr.13242
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiorespiratory fitness , quality of life (healthcare) , cohort , transplantation , physical therapy , mental health , strengths and difficulties questionnaire , vo2 max , treadmill , blood pressure , heart rate , psychiatry , nursing
This study estimates the effects on peak oxygen uptake ( VO 2 peak ), QoL, and mental health after the introduction of an adjusted post‐transplant follow‐up program, that is, early physiotherapy and focus on the importance of physical activity. VO 2 peak was measured by a treadmill exercise test in 20 renal‐transplanted children on the adjusted post‐transplant follow‐up and compared with a group of 22 patients investigated in a previously, before the implementation of our new follow‐up routines. Peds QL and The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( SDQ ) were used to assess QoL and mental health in 45 patients on the new as compared to 32 patients on the previous follow‐up strategy. The patients exposed to early physiotherapy and a higher focus on physical activity had significantly higher VO 2 peak (44.3 vs 33.5 mL kg −1 min −1 , P = .031) in addition to improved QoL ( P = .003) and mental health scores ( P = .012). The cardiovascular risk profile was similar in both groups aside from significantly higher triglycerides in the present cohort. Small efforts as early physiotherapy and increased focus on physical activity after pediatric renal transplantation have significant impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, QoL, and mental health. The importance of physical activity should therefore be emphasized in follow‐up programs.