Physical activity, exercise improves Kidney Function Decline

Observational data from the study published in the Journal of American Medical Association shows that increased physical activity is related with slower renal function decrease; however, no major research has examined whether movement and exercise can reduce kidney function reduction in older persons.

As a result, researchers evaluated if a moderate-intensity exercise intervention may influence the rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate change in older persons. The clinical trial included 1199 community-dwelling, sedentary people aged 70 to 89 years with mobility constraints. A two-year, moderate-intensity physical activity, partially supervised and exercise intervention was compared to a two-year health education control intervention.

The study results showed that the two groups were well matched in terms of age, comorbidities. When compared to the health education arm, the physical activity and exercise intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduced fall in eGFR over 2 years, as well as a lower risk of rapid eGFR decline.

In conclusion, clinicians may investigate targeted recommendations of moderate-intensity exercise and physical activity for older persons as a therapy to halt the reduction in eGFR rate.