RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Characteristics of transplant athletes competing at national and international transplant games
JF BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
JO BMJ OPEN SP EX MED
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e001248
DO 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001248
VO 8
IS 1
A1 Hames, Thomas
A1 Leddington-Wright, Sheila
A1 Thake, Charles Douglas
A1 Price, Mike
YR 2022
UL http://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/8/1/e001248.abstract
AB Objective To describe the characteristics of athletes with solid-organ transplants (TxA) attending the British and World Transplant Games.Methods 220 TxA completed an online survey to explore transplant history, medications, training advice and support and limitations to training.Results TxA were predominantly caucasian, male, kidney recipients in their mid-forties and approximately 11 years post-transplant. The majority of TxA took some form of medication (immunosuppressants 88%, steroids 47%, antihypertensives 47%, statins 28%, antiplatelets 26%, antibiotics/antivirals/antifungals 20%). Stem cell recipients were least likely to require medication. Post-transplant complications were experienced by 40% of TxA, with 53% of these being rejection. Although over half the participants (57%) initially received exercise or training advice post-transplant, only 34% of these received this from their consultants or immediate medical team. Only 1% had been specifically directed towards transplant sport. Half of the TxA (53%) perceived there were limitations preventing them from performing at their potential, 45% considered they did not recover from training as well as non-TxA while 29% felt they trained equally to non-Tx’s. Only 6% considered medication impaired training. TxA competed for a range of reasons from social and health benefits to winning medals.Conclusions TxA compete at the British and World Transplant Games for a diverse range of reasons. Athletes manage a range of medications with a range of exercise and health experiences pre-transplant. TxA face a lack of both general and specific exercise training and recovery guidance. The individuality of each TxA‘s background should be considered and is likely reflected in their exercise capacity and goals.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as online supplemental information. Not applicable.