Does a Mainstream Summer Camp Experience Improve Pediatric Kidney Patients' Physical Fitness and Self Concept?

Purpose: Most children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have much less physical endurance than their age matched peers, are at high risk for premature cardiovascular disease, and have a poor self image in part due to limited peer contact. Sustained exercise in adults with CKD improves endurance and decreases cardiovascular risk. Minimal data exists in pediatric CKD patients. This study will show whether 12 days of increased exercise at a summer camp will improve endurance as measured by the distance walked in 6 minutes and self concept as measured by a short standardized questionaire (Harter scale). The study will occur at the Frost Valley YMCA in the Catskills where in 2, 12 day sessions a total of 25-30 kidney campers are mainstreamed in the general camp population of about 500. Mainstreaming means that the kidney camper will live in a cabin with 8-10 age matched peers and participate as much as possible in all camp activities with their bunkmates. The kidney program at Frost Valley provides hemo and peritoneal dialysis, as well as caring for children with less advanced CKD and post transplant. Participants will have activity measured before and duringcamp by wearing a pedometer. The distance walked in 6 minutes (a 6 minutewalk test) will be measured at onset and completion of the 12 day camp experience. A standardized questionaire on self concept will also be administered at the onset and completion of camp.