Optimizing Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients Through Structured Exercise: A Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines

With the progress of medicine and the maturity of surgery, the improvement of quality of life (QOL) in kidney transplant patients has gradually attracted widespread attention. There is evidence that exercise training has a beneficial effect on patients with renal transplantation. To discover whether exercise can improve patient QOL, this study collected the existing evidence about the effect of structured exercise training on the QOL of renal transplant recipients. Under the guidance of the 5 steps of evidence-based practice, relevant literature in various resources, from 2000 to 2023, was searched. Using the method of systematic review, a PRISMA table was made, and the studies were screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the reports were reviewed and the data were extracted. Finally, 5 qualified randomized controlled trials for exercise training of renal transplant recipients were identified. All 5 studies evaluated the health outcomes of patients' QOL. Through the method of evidence-based practice, it was proven that exercise intervention can improve patient QOL after renal transplantation and accelerate their early postoperative recovery. This study integrates and discusses the evidence related to exercise training and QOL of renal transplant recipients to gain an in-depth understanding of the improvements of exercise on patients' QOL and the shortcomings of current clinical implementation. It provides evidence for medical staff to provide exercise interventions to help these transplant patients recover their health and return to daily life.