Researchers combined data from 82 different studies to look at how physical exercise affects people with chronic kidney disease. This group included patients who were on dialysis as well as those who were not. The goal was to see if moving the body could improve survival and overall health.
The analysis showed that exercise was linked to a significant reduction in the risk of death from any cause. Beyond survival, participants who exercised had better cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Their blood pressure improved, and markers of inflammation in the blood went down.
Other positive changes included better dialysis adequacy for those on machines and preserved kidney function for others. Blood levels of hemoglobin and albumin increased, while fat mass decreased in non-dialysis patients. No serious safety issues were reported across the studies. Readers should understand that while exercise is beneficial regardless of the specific type or location, this evidence comes from a mix of trials with different methods.