The Irish Kidney Association takes a holistic approach to its support of kidney patients and their families. This includes the promotion of sport, physical activity and a healthy diet.
Sports / Physical Activity
There is a growing body of research supporting the physical and psycho-social benefits of regular physical activity / sports for people living with kidney disease.
The IKA delivered a successful sports programme (Transplant Team Ireland) for over 30 years. Open to transplant recipients and people on dialysis of all ages, the programme attracted people who were newly diagnosed and those who have been living with organ failure for many years.
In 2024, the Irish Kidney Association worked with members of Transplant Team Ireland to establish a new, independent organisation (Transplant Sport Ireland) to build on the legacy and continue delivering an inclusive programme of sports.
Programmes
Transplant Sport Ireland
Transplant Sport Ireland (TSI) is a volunteer-run organisation where transplant recipients, and people on dialysis, can connect and support one another in a common belief that sport plays a vital part in maintaining good health.
Transplant Sport Ireland aims to encourage transplant recipients & people on dialysis to lead an active lifestyle, thereby celebrating the gift of life through sport.
Most importantly, Transplant Sport Ireland is also dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of Organ Donation and continuing to remember and appreciate organ donors and their families.”
Kidney Beam
“Helping people living with kidney disease to feel good through movement, education and wellbeing support.”
Kidney Beam is an exercise and lifestyle management app designed for kidney patients; it offers a way to improve physical activity levels from home. Registered individuals can choose from a selection of live movement or on-demand classes, including yoga, Pilates, high intensity training (HIIT) and other online sessions.
The programme was developed by NHS health professionals and other qualified instructors, including those with lived experience and the classes are suitable for all abilities, any kidney condition, and at any stage of kidney disease.
It is available to patients and their families/carers in Ireland to use thanks to the on-going generosity of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF).
Registering for Kidney Beam:
There are activities for all abilities with a library containing hundreds of videos. Activities can be as short as 2 minutes.
Refit for Life!
The Refit for Life! Program is an initiative of the World Transplant Games Federation, aimed to help the transplant community take the first steps to get active and to support their ongoing fitness and wellness journey.
The Refit for Life! Programme is designed to support, NOT REPLACE, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor or other healthcare professional. Make sure you discuss your fitness and lifestyle goals with your physician before signing up for this programme.
Diet
The IKA knows that what we eat has a very important role to play in our medical management and that following the correct diet can be challenging.
For this reason, please click on the link below to find food, diet and nutrition information developed by state registered Irish Renal Dietitians.
Please use this as a guide and reference tool, if you have any questions or queries please ask your doctor to refer you to the dietitian.
GET IN TOUCH, WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Here at the IKA we're more than happy to assist you with anything you might need. If you've got any questions or concerns then please feel free to use the contact form on the right to send us a message.