Physical activity (PA) level after kidney transplantation (KT) is little studied, although it is an important component of quality of life. Recently, it has also been demonstrated that low PA is strongly associated with increased mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR).

Using the French version of the Baecke self –administered questionnaire, PA was estimated in 41 patients when listing for KT, 12 months before KT, and 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after KT. At the same time, body composition was assessed using both Dual X-ray absorptiometry and bio-impedancemetry, leading to an estimation of Lean Body Mass (LBM), Fat Mass (FM) et Body Cell Mass (BCM). Results are expressed as mean +/- sd.

41 patients (27 men, 14 women aged 50 +/- 12 y) were included. Mean total PA tended to decrease during the waiting time before KT, and then increased to get maximal level at month 12 post KT. Total PA and the three sub-scores (leisure time, occupational and sport related PA) are presented in table 1.

During the same period post KT, FM and BCM increased significantly (p = 0.007 and 0.04 respectively) but not BCM (p = 0.056). In multivariate analysis, LBM decrease was associated with higher PA level before KT (p < 0.0001). On the contrary, PA level was not associated with FM nor BCM evolution.

Successful KT is associated with an improvement of PA level, in relation of an increase in occupational activity. Post KT body composition is associated with KT PA level, suggesting that PA should be encouraged in patients on the waiting list, to be developed post KT.

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