Exercise can help patients with chronic kidney disease feel better.

Exercise can help patients with chronic kidney disease feel better.

A recent study shows that exercising for just 12 weeks, specifically aerobic and strength-based exercise, can help people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have less symptoms. The Leicester Hospitals and University of Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Team, under the direction of Professor Alice Smith, conducted the study. Exercise not only helps individuals with chronic kidney disease feel better, but it also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and manages their diabetes. 36 chronic renal disease patients who weren't on dialysis were split into two groups at random by the researchers. The first group engaged in aerobic activities like cycling and walking. Besides the aerobic exercises, the second group also received strength training exercises like leg presses. For the length of the study, exercises were performed three times each week. As the patients improved in strength and fitness, the workouts got harder. A kidney-specific symptom questionnaire created by the researchers was used to measure symptoms. On a scale of 0 to 5, patients are asked to rate the frequency and severity of 11 different symptoms' effects on their life. The total number of symptoms decreased by 17% across the two groups, with significant improvements in fatigue, which saw reductions between 10% and 16%. Aerobic exercise reduced the symptoms of "itching" and "shortness of breath" by 35% and 40%, respectively.

Participants who added strength training exercises reported feeling less weak, experiencing fewer muscle spasms and periods of stiffness, and having a gain in "muscle strength and power" of 41%. Dr. Tom Wilkinson is from the Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation at the University of Leicester. Many unpleasant symptoms, such as weariness and pain, are experienced by patients with chronic renal disease. Exercise generally increases physical strength and fitness levels, but up until now, there hasn't been any proof that it also significantly improves symptoms in this patient group and their self-reported quality of life. "We have now established that exercise has a favorable impact on symptoms as reported by patients. These include difficulty sleeping, a lack of strength, muscle spasms, and restless legs. Patients should perform both aerobic and strength training routines to maximize the health advantages." One trial participant, a woman in her 80s, stated the following: "I thought the workout program was excellent; subsequently, my muscles were quite powerful, and I felt fantastic. Actually, I felt fantastic."

Exercise has numerous positive effects for those with chronic renal disease, including increases in physical fitness and a reduction in symptoms. These include enhancements in cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes management. Please consult a qualified doctor if you want to perform any kidney exercises and want further information about it. Make sure you don't hold your breath while performing the kidney exercise because doing so will cause harmful side effects. At the Leicester Diabetes Centre, study participants were watched at the fitness center. Patients and the general public are urged to speak with their doctor if they are interested in beginning an exercise regimen.