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Physical exercise: a polypill against chronic kidney disease
Pedro L Valenzuela1,2, Adrián Castillo-García2, Gonzalo Saco-Ledo3
1Physical Activity and Health Research Group ('PaHerg'), Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
We are currently facing a pandemic of physical inactivity that might contribute to the growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we summarize currently available evidence on the association between physical activity and CKD, and also review the effects of exercise intervention in affected patients. Physical activity/exercise might act as a polypill against CKD, preventing its development or even exerting beneficial effects once it is established (i.e. improvements in patients' physical fitness and cardiovascular risk, as well as in kidney function). Exercise benefits are also found at advanced CKD stages or in patients under hemodialysis. The biological mechanisms behind the clinical evidence are also discussed. An active lifestyle appears as a cornerstone in CKD prevention and management.
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