[Physical exercise in chronic kidney disease: an empty narrative or an effective intervention?]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern, leading to end-stage renal disease, increased cardiovascular risk, disability, and mortality.
• Early CKD recognition and lifestyle modifications, particularly increased physical activity, are essential for preserving physical function and quality of life.

Discussion:

• Exercise interventions are known to counteract cardiovascular risk, frailty, deconditioning, and sarcopenia, while improving mobility in CKD patients.
• Despite patient demand, exercise programs for CKD are scarce due to a lack of trained specialists and insufficient sensitization of healthcare professionals.
• Barriers preventing CKD patients from engaging in exercise remain largely unexplored, hindering the development of effective and sustainable interventions.

Key Insights:

• There is a critical need to train specialists in exercise for CKD and educate medical personnel to promote active lifestyles among patients.
• Addressing patient-specific barriers is crucial for developing exercise interventions that are both effective and sustainable.
• Collaboration among scientific societies, research teams, and administrators is necessary to translate exercise recommendations into routine clinical practice for CKD patients.

Outlook:

• Future efforts should focus on creating accessible and tailored exercise programs for CKD patients.
• Integrating exercise as a standard component of CKD care requires a multidisciplinary approach and systemic changes.
• Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice will ensure that exercise benefits CKD patients' physical and mental well-being.