Nursing research and practice
Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Fatigue in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
By Qiao S, Liu C, Lu Y and 2 others.
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.