Physical Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition that has significant implications for patients’ health. CKD is diagnosed if evidence of kidney damage has been present for more than 3 months; it is divided into five stages depending on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). CKD is asymptomatic and determining its prevalence relies on screening populations, so the reported prevalence depends on the population studied and screening methods used. Risk factors for CKD can be divided into initiating and perpetuating factors, and includes genetic factors, ethnicity, socio-economic factors and age. There are several causes of CKD, the most common being diabetes mellitus. In order to reduce the burden of CKD, it is essential to recognize which patients are at most risks so that they can be screened and treated early. It is hoped that with early recognition and treatment the number of patients with CKD progressing to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and the need for renal replacement therapy will be reduced. Exercise testing of individuals with CKD should be supervised by trained medical personnel, with the use of standard test termination criteria and test termination methods. Based on current evidence, exercise is safe for these individuals if performed at moderate intensity and if progression occurs gradually. Keywords: - Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplantation, exercise testing, exercise prescription. DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/50-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2020