Exercise for Muscle Atrophy in Chronic Kidney Disease

(EMPHASIS Trial)

This trial explores how exercise can aid people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in regaining muscle strength after hospitalization. The goal is to determine if exercise, performed at home or with supervision, improves physical strength and reduces hospital stays. Participants will either perform specific exercises, such as squats and shoulder presses, twice a week for 16 weeks or continue with their usual care without added exercise. The trial seeks individuals over 55 with stage 3-4 CKD. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of exercise for CKD patients.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Studies have shown that exercise is generally safe for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Research indicates that exercise can improve physical abilities, such as muscle strength and balance, for people of all ages. Evidence also suggests that exercise can help slow the progression of CKD and enhance overall quality of life.

Researchers are excited about using exercise for muscle atrophy in chronic kidney disease because it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing a common complication of the condition. Unlike standard treatments that might involve medication to address symptoms or complications, this exercise regimen focuses on improving muscle strength and mass through specific movements like squats and shoulder presses. By concentrating on internal load and contraction velocity, this method could potentially enhance muscle function more naturally and with fewer side effects. This approach provides a promising alternative that empowers patients to play an active role in their health management.

This trial will compare exercise with usual care for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have shown that exercise can be very beneficial for people with CKD. Specifically, exercise improves physical abilities, such as muscle strength and balance, across all ages. Research also indicates that exercise reduces muscle loss and related issues in CKD. In studies with mice, resistance exercise increased muscle building and decreased muscle breakdown. Exercise can also slow disease progression and enhance the quality of life for those with CKD. Overall, strong evidence supports the benefits of exercise for muscle health in chronic kidney disease.¹²³⁶⁷