Velocity-Based Resistance Training in Kidney Transplant Recipients (VBRTKIDNEY)

Fundación Universitaria del Area Andina

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Kidney Transplant Recipients; Cardiovascular Risk Factors; Metabolic Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Velocity-Based Resistance Training - Maximal Velocity Protocol; Other: Velocity-Based Resistance Training - Submaximal Velocity Protocol

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07370727

CV2025-IMED-B-13434

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of velocity-based resistance training on renal function and metabolic health in kidney transplant recipients. Participants will be randomized into two groups performing resistance training at different execution velocities (maximal intended vs. submaximal controlled). The intervention will last 12 weeks and include multi-joint exercises (squat, bench press, military press). Primary outcomes include renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid) and metabolic markers (HDL, triglycerides, glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure). Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, force-velocity profile, anthropometry, physical activity, fitness perception, and adherence to immunosuppressive medication.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial will examine the physiological and metabolic responses to different resistance training velocities in kidney transplant recipients. Participants will be randomized to perform either maximal-velocity or submaximal-velocity resistance exercises for 12 weeks. Each session will include multi-joint movements (bench press, squat, overhead press) using a Smith machine. Training loads will be individualized (20-60% 1RM) and monitored using a linear encoder to control velocity loss. Primary endpoints are renal function and metabolic health markers, while secondary outcomes include neuromuscular performance and adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. The study has received ethics approval from Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina (Acta 15, April 22, 2025).

Enrollment: 12 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women aged 18 to 50 years.
• Kidney transplant performed ≥12 months before enrollment.
• Stable graft function in the previous 6 months (serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL, no rejection episodes).
• Written medical clearance from a nephrologist to perform moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Active autoimmune disorders.
• Recent coronary disease (≤6 months).
• Severe musculoskeletal limitations incompatible with resistance training.
• Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (pre- or post-transplant).
• Current active infection.
• Use of immunosuppressive drugs with contraindications for exercise (e.g., mTOR inhibitors at baseline).

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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12 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental - Maximal Velocity Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will perform velocity-based resistance training at maximal intended concentric velocity. Training load will progress from 20% to 60% of 1RM. Each set will be terminated once a 20% loss of movement velocity is reached.

Treatment:

Other: Velocity-Based Resistance Training - Maximal Velocity Protocol

Submaximal Velocity Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will perform supervised velocity-based resistance training for 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Each repetition will be executed at approximately 50% of maximal concentric velocity. Training load will progress from 20% to 60% of 1RM, with sets completed according to a predetermined number of repetitions (20-30 depending on load).

Treatment:

Other: Velocity-Based Resistance Training - Submaximal Velocity Protocol