Assessment of physical performance and quality of life in kidney-transplanted patients: A cross-sectional study

Background: Information on physical and mentalwellness in renal transplantation is limited. Therefore,we performed a crosssectional study to evaluate and describe the different components of physical performance and quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of kidney-transplanted patients. Methods: Physical performance and QoL were determined through the administration of validated tests and questionnaires [muscle strength, dynamometer handgrip, tactile sensitivity, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey]. The patients were divided into three groups based on time elapsed since transplantation: early (in the first 6 months), middle (from 7 to 60 months) and late (>60 months). Results: Of 132 enrolled patients, 11 patients (8.3%) presented a severe reduction of muscle strength, 63 patients (47%) had significant bilateral impaired handgrip and tactile sensitivity was altered in 23 patients (17.4%). TUG assessment showed significant mobility limitation in 29 patients (21.9%). The FSS presented a pathological value in 50 patients (37.3%), while the mean VAS was 1.8 - 2.7. There were no significant differences in physical performance parameters among the three patient groups. There were inverse correlations among different components of physical performance and age, comorbidity and dialysis vintage, and therewas a direct correlation with renal function. During the first months after transplantation therewere limitations in physical, social and emotional activities. Overall, the self-perceived physical performancewas significantly lower in transplanted patients with respect to the normal reference level. Conclusion: Kidney-transplanted patientsmay present different degrees of impairment in physical performance and quality of life. Systematic functional assessment is essential to identify patients needing intensive and personalized rehabilitation programmes.