Determinants of physical performance in Indian kidney-transplant recipients: A prospective observational study

Background: Physical performance refers to the functional demonstration of task. Little is known about physical performance among Indian kidney-transplant recipients (KTRs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physical performance among Indian KTRs and to find its determinants from transplant, demographic, or behavior components. Methodology: In this single-center, prospective observational study, 149 KTRs with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 ml/min/1.72 m2 and posttransplant duration (PTD) >6 months were enrolled. Physical performance was evaluated by 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), dominant hand grip strength (DHGS), numbers of 1 minute sit to stand (1MSTS), and time taken to perform 5 times sit to stand (5xSTS). Multivariate analysis was performed between transplant-related components (PTD, dialysis vintage, eGFR, and comorbidity); health behavioral components (total physical activity [TPA], sedentary time, fear of activity participation, body mass index, abdominal circumference); demographic components (age and gender); and each of the physical performance measures. Results: The average 6MWD was 392 ± 96.2 meters, the DHGS was 33.1 ± 6.8 kg, the number of 1MSTS repetitions was 24.0 ± 3.7/min, and the time taken to do 5xSTS was 10.6 ± 1.9 s among participants. When adjusted for cofounders with multivariable analyses, the health behavior of habitual physical activity was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) associated with all aspects of physical performance. Conclusion: Relatively low physical performance was seen among KTRs. Behavior of participation in physical activity contributed to the positive change in all aspects of physical performance against transplant and demographic variables, and it is the major determinant of physical performance.