Exploring Physical Activity Levels and Performance Among High-Intensity Transplant Athletes at the World Transplant Games.

Abstract

IntroductionWhile most transplant recipients remain sedentary posttransplant, some transplant recipients are able to meet and even exceed recommended physical activity levels.Research QuestionThe objective of this study was (1) to explore what physical activity levels 25 recipient athletes could sustain over a 7-month period while preparing for and participating in the World Transplant Games in cycling and/or triathlon, and (2) what intensity levels recipients sustained in competitive conditions.DesignThe study adopted an observational descriptive research design and used physical activity self-reported data of 25 recipient athletes and self-tracked data from online social fitness network apps such as Strava. It also examined World Transplant Games performance metrics to evaluate transplant athletes' capabilities in competitive settings.ResultsFindings revealed that transplant athletes exceeded the current physical activity level guidelines by 300% over a 7-month period, with an average of 8.33 h per week of self-reported activities and 4.67 h per week of self-tracked moderate to intense physical activity.ConclusionThe findings highlighted the need to consider the capabilities of transplant athletes in reassessing the current physical activity guidelines since the results demonstrated that enhanced performance in competition settings was attainable through physical activity and support. There is a need for more personalised physical activity metrics and recommendations for transplant recipients.