Acute Effect of Three Aerobic Exercise Intensities on Glomerular Filtration Rate in Healthy Older Adults.

No consensus exists on whether acute aerobic exercise alters the glomerular filtration rate in older adults.

Objective: To assess the immediate effects of three aerobic exercise intensities on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in healthy, sedentary older adults.

Methods: Eighteen healthy, sedentary older adults (ten men and eight women) voluntarily participated in this study. The participants underwent three standardized aerobic exercise tests (100%, 80%, and 60% of the maximal heart rate) on a bicycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected to determine cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, serum creatinine (Cr), Cystatin C (CysC) concentrations, and eGFR.

Results: eGFR and serum concentrations of Cr and CysC were not modified at any exercise intensity. There was a negative correlation between blood total cholesterol vs. eGFR (R = -0.512, R = -0.582, R = -0.531; p < 0.05) at rest, 60%, and 100% of the maximal heart rate, respectively. In addition, a negative correlation existed for age vs. eGFR at 60% of the maximal heart rate (R = -0.516; p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Short-duration aerobic exercise of low, moderate, and vigorous intensity did not significantly affect eGFR and is considered safe for kidney function in healthy, sedentary older adults. However, regular monitoring of kidney function in older people engaged in moderate- and high-intensity exercise is advised.