Guidelines recommend a healthy lifestyle and regularly physical activity (PA) after kidney transplantation (KTx). The KTx360° program is a multicenter, multisectoral, multimodal, telemedicine-based follow-up care program. Effects of the first COVID-19 wave restrictions on health-related quality of life and PA of supervised KTx360° patients were evaluated using an online questionnaire. Six hundred and fifty-two KTx360° patients were contacted via email and were asked to complete the Freiburg questionnaire of physical activity and the Short form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) online. Pre-pandemic and lockdown data were compared in 248 data sets. While sporting activity decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, basic and leisure activity increased, resulting in increased overall activity. The physical component scale of the SF-12 was in the low normal range before as well as during the pandemic, with a small but significant increase during the pandemic. The mental component scale showed normal values before and during pandemic with a small but statistically significant decrease. Our study supports the effectiveness of a telemedicine based program for KTx patient care in maintaining PA and quality of life during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research and observation during the ongoing pandemic are required.

Background: Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, evidence as to which components of the MetS and associated aspects of quality of life are driven by weight loss or improvements in exercise capacity are scarce. Methods: Company employees (n = 302, 48.2 ± 8.2 years, BMI 33.2 ± 5.4 kg/m²) with diagnosed MetS were evaluated after a 6-month telemonitoring-supported intervention (counselling in nutrition and physical activity) or wait-list control (delayed start of the same intervention). Results: Exercise capacity, body mass index (BMI), and MetS severity were improved after the intervention. Multivariable regression models revealed that changes in BMI were associated with changes in three components of MetS (waist circumference, triglycerides, blood glucose), whereas changes in exercise capacity only were associated to one MetS component change (systolic blood pressure) but also improvements in anxiety severity, aspects of quality of life, and work ability. Conclusions: Both physical activity promotion and diet should be part of a holistic treatment of patients with MetS. However, our data suggest that dietary-induced weight loss might be more successful when aiming at improving MetS risk factors, whereas focusing more on physical activity promotion might be preferred when targeting aspects in quality of life and mental health.

Background: During the COVID-19 restrictions in Germany, individuals were permitted to engage in individual physical activity (PA). However, limited information exists regarding the impact of these restrictions on PA and mental health. The aims of this study were to identify changes in PA behavior and Quality of Life (QoL) during the Corona-Virus restrictions to develop strategies to mitigate negative health effects. Methods: Internet-based questionnaires on PA and QoL were distributed to outpatients with heart disease (Reha), participants in an in-clinic rehabilitation program, patients enrolled in a structured post-kidney transplant program (KTx), and healthy adults (HG). Results: Compared to pre-lockdown levels, all groups experienced a significant reduction in daily and sporting physical activity (all p < 0.05). Reha participants showed a significantly greater reduction in sporting activity compared to KTx and HG (p < 0.05). However, 88.3% (Reha), 85.5% (KTx), and 92.6% (HG) met the WHO recommendation of ≥150 min/week of moderate activity (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the mental sum score of the SF-36 between groups (p = 0.263). Conclusions: The majority of individuals managed to maintain sufficient PA levels even during the lockdown. However, Reha participants appeared to experience the greatest burdens, leading to a more pronounced reduction in sports activity.