Unemployment after kidney transplant is common and creates a heavy reliance on public aid. While the exact reason for low employment rates is unknown, patients often experience deceased energy levels, increased pain, and increased depression after transplant. Greater levels of physical fitness have been shown to improve these issues in several populations. However little is known about this association in kidney transplant patients and its effect on employment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an original exercise rehabilitation program on the ability to find employment or return to school, post kidney transplant. Thirty five transplant recipients that were unemployed and not in school, at the time of the transplant, were enrolled in a 12 month randomized control trial. Randomization was set at 2:1 ratio. 22 participants were randomized to a 2 day per week resistance exercise rehabilitation program (each 1 hour sessions) and 13 patients were randomized to a control group with no exercise intervention. Both groups underwent testing at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Two markers that were assessed at each time point were employment and school status. The exercise group had a greater increase in employment compared to the control group after 12 months (41% exercise vs 15% control). The exercise group had 4 patient begin school while the control group had zero patients begin school throughout the 12 months. In aggregate, the total percentage of patients in the exercise group who found a job or returned to school was 59%.

The usefulness of physical activity as a therapeutic tool to increase ability and desire for employment and education in these patients is a promising, yet an understudied concept. These data suggest exercise rehabilitation programs should be proposed post-transplant to prepare recipients to recommence work and school life.

CITATION INFORMATION: Kastelz A., Di Bella C., Tzvetanov I., Fernhall B., Gallon L., Hachaj G., Benedetti E. Exercise Rehabilitation's Effect on Employment and School Rates in Kidney Transplant Patients Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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