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Physical activity and rapid decline in kidney function among older adults
Cassianne Robinson-Cohen1, Ronit Katz, Dariush Mozaffarian
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA. cassyrc@u.washington.edu
Archives of Internal Medicine
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Regular physical activity (PA) significantly lowers the risk of rapid kidney function decline in older adults. Higher activity levels, including walking pace and leisure-time exercise, are linked to better kidney health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nephrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Habitual physical activity (PA) influences physiological and metabolic processes.
- PA may play a role in moderating the risk of kidney function decline.
- Understanding PA's impact is crucial for maintaining kidney health in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline.
- To investigate the relationship between PA and the rate of kidney function decline in older adults.
- To utilize longitudinal data from a large cohort for robust analysis.
Main Methods:
- Studied 4011 ambulatory participants aged 65+ from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS).
- Assessed kidney function using longitudinal cystatin C measurements over 7 years.
- Calculated a physical activity score based on kilocalories expended per week and walking pace.
Main Results:
- 958 participants (23.9%) experienced rapid decline in kidney function (RDKF).
- The highest PA groups (scores 7-8) showed a 28% lower risk of RDKF compared to the lowest groups (scores 2-3).
- Both greater leisure-time PA kilocalories and faster walking pace were independently associated with a lower incidence of RDKF.
Conclusions:
- Higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of rapid kidney function decline in older adults.
- Promoting physical activity may be a viable strategy for preserving kidney function in aging populations.
- Specific components of PA, like walking pace, contribute to kidney health benefits.
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