Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Fatigue in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in kidney transplant patients that not only affects quality of life but may also impact long-term graft survival. While Tai Chi has been shown to effectively reduce fatigue in patients with chronic diseases, research in kidney transplant recipients remains limited.

Objective: To explore the effects of Tai Chi exercise on fatigue among kidney transplant recipients and to investigate the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi-based rehabilitation.

Methods: A prospective, single-center, parallel-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in Northeast China. The study period for patient recruitment and intervention implementation was from 1 June 2025, to 12 October 2025. Eligible participants were kidney transplant recipients aged 18-60 years who were at least 1 month post-transplantation. Sixty-four kidney transplant patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to the intervention group (Tai Chi exercise) or the control group (routine care only). The intervention group received a 12-week Tai Chi exercise program. The primary outcome was fatigue severity assessed at 12 weeks.

Results: After 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention, there were statistically significant differences in total fatigue scores between the two groups of renal transplant recipients. Sleep quality and 6-min walk distance were significantly improved.

Conclusions: Tai Chi exercise is a gentle and well-tolerated exercise intervention that can effectively improve fatigue in renal transplant recipients. Trial Registration: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry: 2026000360.