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Fitwalking: A New Frontier for Kidney Patients - A Center's Experience
Marco Pozzato1, Giuseppe Parodi2, Daniela Rossi1
1University Center of Excellence on Nephrological, Rheumatological and Rare Diseases (ERK-net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) Including Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley (North-West Italy), San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences of the University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Structured physical exercise, like Fitwalking, significantly improved health outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and immuno-rheumatological patients. This safe, independent activity enhanced physical strength, reduced blood pressure, and improved quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical inactivity is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, contributing to mortality and reduced quality of life.
- Structured exercise programs are needed to mitigate risks associated with inactivity in CKD and immuno-rheumatological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a specific walking exercise model, Fitwalking, in patients with CKD.
- To assess the impact of Fitwalking on physical function, health status, and quality of life in CKD and immuno-rheumatological patients.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 80 patients from various outpatient clinics (nephrology, dialysis, transplantation, immuno-rheumatology).
- Conducted clinical evaluations and prescribed Fitwalking exercise.
- Assessed physical function using the 6-min walk test and sit-to-stand test pre-training, and at 6 and 12 months post-training.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in blood pressure (systolic, average, differential), average walking speed, and physical strength.
- Participants showed adaptation to muscle fatigue, reduced BMI, stable lean mass, and decreased fat mass.
- Reported enhanced perceptions of physical and mental health, and improved quality of life.
Conclusions:
- All patients successfully completed the Fitwalking program, demonstrating its feasibility.
- The structured physical activity, supported by health education and staff training, can be performed safely and independently.
- Fitwalking offers a sustainable solution to overcome barriers to physical activity in CKD and immuno-rheumatological patient populations.
