Efeitos do exercício físico na aptidão física e na qualidade de vida de pacientes pós-transplante renal: uma revisão integrativa de literatura

Abstract

Kidney transplantation (KTx) is a promising replacement therapy for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, despite the benefits of KTx, many patients continue to experience significant reductions in physical fitness even after surgery, with a negative impact on their quality of life. In this context, several studies have shown the numerous benefits of physical exercise for the health of the general population, but there is a lack of evidence specifically addressing the effects in post-KTx patients. The aim of this study was to investigate and summarize the information available in the scientific literature about the effects of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in post-KTx patients. An integrative literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed, PEDro, LILACS and SciELO databases, using the descriptors ‘’exercise’’ and ‘’kidney transplant’’, associated with the Boolean operator AND. Studies published in the last 5 years; in English, Portuguese and Spanish; in the adult population and that were freely available in full were selected. The final sample consisted of 7 articles. All studies were randomized clinical trials. The most commonly used intervention modalities were resistance and aerobic exercise, in combination. Some studies also added flexibility, joint mobility and balance exercises as a complement. The study outcomes indicated that physical exercise was able to promote an increase in functional capacity, overall strength, reduction of fatigue, lower levels of anxiety and depression and a positive impact on quality of life. Thus, it is concluded that the practice of exercise, especially when combined with more than one modality, contributes to the increase in physical fitness and quality of life of patients undergoing kidney transplant.