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NCT Number: NCT07370727

Velocity-Based Resistance Training in Kidney Transplant Recipients

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of velocity-based resistance training on renal function and metabolic health in kidney transplant recipients. Participants will be randomized into two groups performing resistance training at different execution velocities (maximal intended vs. submaximal controlled). The intervention will last 12 weeks and include multi-joint exercises (squat, bench press, military press). Primary outcomes include renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid) and metabolic markers (HDL, triglycerides, glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure). Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, force-velocity profile, anthropometry, physical activity, fitness perception, and adherence to immunosuppressive medication.

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Key information

Conditions

Kidney Transplant Recipients Cardiovascular Risk Factors Glucose Metabolism Disorders Hyperinsulinism Insulin Resistance Metabolic Diseases Metabolic Syndrome Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Colombia

Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 0000, Colombia

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Jhonatan C peña, Master in Physical Activity

CONTACT

[email protected]

3125924821 ext. 57

About this study

This randomized controlled trial will examine the physiological and metabolic responses to different resistance training velocities in kidney transplant recipients. Participants will be randomized to perform either maximal-velocity or submaximal-velocity resistance exercises for 12 weeks. Each session will include multi-joint movements (bench press, squat, overhead press) using a Smith machine. Training loads will be individualized (20-60% 1RM) and monitored using a linear encoder to control velocity loss. Primary endpoints are renal function and metabolic health markers, while secondary outcomes include neuromuscular performance and adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. The study has received ethics approval from Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina (Acta 15, April 22, 2025).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Men and women aged 18 to 50 years.
  • Kidney transplant performed ≥12 months before enrollment.
  • Stable graft function in the previous 6 months (serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL, no rejection episodes).
  • Written medical clearance from a nephrologist to perform moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
  • Signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Active autoimmune disorders.
  • Recent coronary disease (≤6 months).
  • Severe musculoskeletal limitations incompatible with resistance training.
  • Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (pre- or post-transplant).
  • Current active infection.
  • Use of immunosuppressive drugs with contraindications for exercise (e.g., mTOR inhibitors at baseline).

Treatment and study plan

Velocity-Based Resistance Training - Submaximal Velocity Protocol

Other

A 12-week supervised resistance training program performed 3 sessions per week. Exercises will include bench press, squat, and shoulder press in Smith machine. Participants will execute each repetition at ~50% of maximal concentric velocity, with sets completed according to predetermined repetitions (20-30 depending on load, 20-60% 1RM).

Velocity-Based Resistance Training - Maximal Velocity Protocol

Other

A 12-week supervised resistance training program performed 3 sessions per week. Exercises will include bench press, squat, and shoulder press in Smith machine. Participants will execute each repetition at maximal concentric velocity, with sets terminated at 20% velocity loss. Training loads will increase progressively (20-60% 1RM).

Primary outcomes

  1. Serum creatinine (mg/dL) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Serum creatinine will be measured from venous blood samples processed in an external certified laboratory (IDIME, Bogotá). This parameter will serve as a biomarker of renal graft function.

  2. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) will be calculated from serum creatinine using validated equations (CKD-EPI or MDRD). This measure will serve as the most sensitive indicator of renal graft function.

  3. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN, mg/dL) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Blood urea nitrogen will be measured to monitor renal clearance capacity and metabolic status.

  4. Serum Uric Acid (mg/dL)

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Serum uric acid will be measured as a biomarker of renal excretory capacity and cardiovascular risk.

  5. HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    HDL cholesterol will be measured as a protective lipid biomarker inversely associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risk.

  6. Triglycerides (mg/dL) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Serum triglycerides will be measured to evaluate metabolic health and risk of cardiovascular disease.

  7. Fasting glucose (mg/dL) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Fasting blood glucose will be measured through enzymatic methods to evaluate glycemic control.

  8. Waist circumference (cm) - change from baseline

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Waist circumference will be measured at the narrowest point of the torso, midway between the lower margin of the ribs and the iliac crest, following ISAK recommendations. This anthropometric variable will serve as a key component of metabolic syndrome diagnosis.

  9. Metabolic Risk Index (z-score composite)

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    A composite metabolic risk index will be calculated from triglycerides, LDL, HDL, glucose, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure values. Each variable will be standardized as z-scores; HDL will be multiplied by -1 due to its inverse relationship with cardiovascular risk. The final score will be the sum of standardized values.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Handgrip strength

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Handgrip strength will be assessed using a digital dynamometer (Takei Scientific Instruments, Tokyo). Two trials per hand, best value recorded. This test reflects overall muscle strength.

  2. Body Composition (fat percent, muscle percent, visceral fat)

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Body composition will be assessed using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita IRONMAN BC-1500). Measurements will include fat percentage, muscle percentage, and visceral fat.

  3. Force-Velocity Profile

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    :The force-velocity profile will be assessed using a linear encoder (T-Force) during three multi-joint exercises (bench press, squat, overhead press). The relationship between force and velocity will be calculated to estimate neuromuscular performance.

  4. Body Height (cm)

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Body height will be measured with a digital stadiometer following the Frankfurt plane reference to ensure standardized posture.

  5. Relative Handgrip Strength (kg/kg body weight)

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    Relative handgrip strength will be calculated by dividing the maximum handgrip force by body weight to account for body size.

  6. Comorbidity and Immunosuppressive Therapy Questionnaire

    Time frame: Baseline and week 13 (after completion of 12-week intervention)

    A structured questionnaire will be used to record comorbidities and medication adherence. Adherence will be rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = never adherent, 5 = always adherent), where higher scores indicate better adherence.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Fundación Universitaria del Area Andina

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Velocity-Based Resistance Training on Renal Function and Metabolic Health in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: VBRTKIDNEY

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jan 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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