The goal of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility of an exercise intervention in dialysis-dependent patients aged 60 and older awaiting kidney transplantation, assessing its effect on maintaining transplant candidacy. Thirty patients on the wait list will be randomized to an exercise intervention or no intervention. The exercise intervention will include both center and home-based components tailored to the unique needs of this patient population. After an initial evaluation, participants will receive 2 weeks of center- based instruction regarding technique and self-monitoring of exercise intensity and provided with a home-based exercise plan. In the 4th week of the study, participants will receive a home visit so that study personnel can observe the participant at home and help plan exercises that accommodate the home environment. The goal of the intervention is to increase strength and to increase physical activity to a goal of 150 minutes per week. Participants will be then be contacted bi-weekly to monitor and motivate them to continue and to assess compliance. Participants in both groups will be evaluated at 3 and 6 months and after 1 year. |