Effects of home-based exercise on physical function and health-related quality of life in older patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease: a single-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Exercise therapy is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but evidence for its effectiveness in older adults with pre-dialysis CKD is limited.

METHODS

This single-center randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a six-month home-based exercise program with monthly counseling in 29 patients aged ≥ 65 years with stage 3-5 pre-dialysis CKD. Participants were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 15) or control group (n = 14). Primary outcomes were physical function, measured by 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF). Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, nutritional status, and renal function.

RESULTS

6MWD significantly improved in the exercise group, while no significant change was observed in the control group (p < 0.05). The change in 6MWD was significantly greater in the exercise group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In KDQOL-SF, the role-physical score significantly improved in the exercise group and declined in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A six-month home-based exercise program with counseling improved physical function and HRQOL in older patients with pre-dialysis CKD.