Objective: Evaluation of physical capacity in kidney transplanted children for sport practice adequacy.
Population and methods: A retrospective study was carried out in 32 children transplanted at least one year before evaluation. We studied auxology, respiratory function testing, cardiovascular parameters at rest and after exercise, and aerobic capacity performed during a triangular effort test.
Results: Kidney transplanted children were smaller and had a higher body mass index (IMC). Breathing parameters and cardiac ultrasound examinations were normal in all but one child. After exercise, four children had high systolic blood pressure requiring a treatment adaptation. Lower values of maximal aerobic power (Pmax) and oxygen maximal uptake (VO2max) were noticed, mainly in girls.
Conclusion: Kidney transplanted children have a good physical exercise tolerance. Therefore they can be allowed to practise sports at school or in a club after a normal effort test (taking into account the risk of transplant trauma).