Doctors say exercise benefits transplant patients
Share with others:
The medical profession has caught up with Donald Perine.
Mr. Perine, 42, of Harmony, is a tri-athlete who had a kidney and pancreas transplant 10 years ago.
"I was a type 1 diabetic," he said. "Eventually, it's going to get you."
The transplant saved his life, for which he is very grateful. But "the one thing that really bothered me were the side effects of the medication -- everything from muscle atrophy to muscle weakness," Mr. Perine said.
Patients with renal disease typically lose 30 percent or more of their normal fitness. Mr. Perine was determined to be an exception. Three days after being released from the hospital, he was back in the gym. This didn't sit so well with his doctors.
"They didn't really like the idea of my doing heavy resistance training," Mr. Perine said.
Typically, he lifts weights for 21/2 hours a day, alternating between his upper and lower body. And he does about 90 minutes of cardio each day.
"I run on the treadmill until I am unable to run anymore," Mr. Perine said.
His exercise regimen was very important in his recovery from transplant surgery, he said.
"There are far too many people in our situation who are content to be patients. The meds will get you if you don't do something about it."
Doctors now agree with him.
"New research shows scientific evidence for the benefits of regular exercise for people with chronic kidney disease, including those with a kidney transplant," concluded the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm after a systematic review of 45 medical studies involving 1,863 patients. The findings were published Oct. 5 in The Cochrane Library, a collection of seven medical databases.
People who performed high intensity cardiovascular exercise for four to six months "significantly improved" aerobic capacity, the researchers found. This was true whether those suffering from renal disease did not yet need dialysis, were undergoing dialysis, or were kidney transplant recipients.
Other studies examined by Karolinska researchers showed substantial benefits after three months for people who performed high intensity resistance training, or who practiced yoga.
"Many, most, maybe all kidney patients will benefit from exercise," said Richard Marcus, director of the division of nephrology at West Penn Allegheny Health System. "The more activity these folks do, the better they will be."
All forms of exercise are beneficial, but more research must be done to determine what mix of cardio and resistance training and stretching/relaxation/flexibility exercises such as yoga is optimal for people with chronic kidney disease, Dr. Marcus said.
"The data support a combination approach," he said. "But that's probably true for everybody."
Though all exercise is good, what's best for one person may not be optimal for another, Dr. Marcus cautioned. Kidney patients should consult with their physician before beginning an exercise program.
"Set a goal for yourself and do it for you," Mr. Perine said. "Do it to get through a day."
First Published October 24, 2011 12:00 am
