Physical Activity and Kidney Function in Sedentary Older Adults

Evidence suggest that higher levels of physical activity are associated with slower decline in kidney function. In this study, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from a previously published randomized trial (NEJM JW Gen Med Jul 1 2014 and JAMA 2014; 311:2387) to determine whether a physical activity intervention lowered the rate of kidney function decline in community-dwelling, sedentary older adults. The study involved about 1200 people (mean age, 79) with mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 54 mL/minute/1.73 m² at baseline. Participants were randomized to a 2-year, partially supervised, moderate-intensity physical activity and strength intervention (target: 150 minutes/week of walking, exercise sessions, and strengt…