Effect of exercise training in heart rate variability, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in kidney recipients: A preliminary study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and autonomic function of a group of kidney-transplanted recipients who joined a combined exercise program (KTR t ) or remained sedentary (KTR s ). A total of 20 kidney-transplanted recipients, split into two groups (10 KTR t and 10 KTR s ), joined the study. Heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory capacity, depression, and sleep questionnaires were evaluated. KTR t presented lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and greater entropy, and increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic modulation than KTR s . Anxiety level was minimal and depression was absent in both groups. KTR t group presented better sleep quality and better autonomic modulation than KTR s .