Vascular effects of exercise training in CKD: current evidence and pathophysiological mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, exceeding traditional risk factors.
• CKD is associated with mechanisms like reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, impaired endothelial repair, inflammation, and oxidative stress, contributing to CVD.
• Physical training is a recognized non-pharmacological strategy for CVD prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence on the effects of exercise training in patients with CKD.
• To explore how exercise training influences mechanisms contributing to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis in CKD.
• To provide practical considerations for implementing exercise programs in CKD patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical and preclinical evidence on exercise training in CKD.
• Discussion of vascular disease mechanisms in CKD.
• Analysis of exercise's impact on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in CKD.

Main Results:

• Exercise training demonstrates benefits for exercise capacity and quality of life in CKD patients.
• Exercise may positively influence reversible mechanisms underlying vascular disease in CKD.
• Evidence supports exercise training as a valuable intervention for CKD-related cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

• Exercise training is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing cardiovascular risk in CKD.
• Further research and practical guidelines are needed to optimize exercise prescriptions for CKD populations.
• Regular physical activity can be integrated into the management of CKD to improve patient outcomes.