Effect of an exercise rehabilitation program on physical function over 1 year in chronic kidney disease: an observational study

BACKGROUND: Exercise rehabilitation may help maintain physical function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but long-term clinical effectiveness is unknown. We evaluated the effect of an exercise rehabilitation program on physical function over 1 year in individuals with CKD. METHODS: This clinical program evaluation included adults with CKD (any stage) registered in a provincial renal program from 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2016. Attenders were referred to and attended a 10-week exercise rehabilitation program (n = 117). Nonattenders were referred, but did not attend the program (n = 133). Individuals enrolled in a longitudinal frailty study (n = 318) composed a second control group. Primary outcome: Change in physical function [short physical performance battery (SPPB) score]. Secondary outcomes included change in health-related quality of life, physical activity, exercise behaviour, hospitalization over 1 year. Predictors of improved SPPB were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: In sum, 53, 40 and 207 participants completed 1-year follow-up in attender, nonattender and second control groups, respectively. Baseline median SPPB [interquartile range (IQR)] scores were 10.5 (9–12), 10 (8–12) and 9 (7–11) in attender, nonattender and second control groups, respectively (P = 0.02). Mean change in SPPB score over 1 year was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.7). Attenders with baseline SPPB score <12, trended toward increased likelihood of improved SPPB score at 1 year [odds ratio (OR) 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–5.02; P = 0.07]. More attenders (60%) exercised regularly at 1 year than nonattenders (35%) (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The impact of clinical exercise rehabilitation programs on physical function at 1 year needs further delineation. However, our observation of improved exercise behaviour at 1 year suggests sustained benefits with such programs in CKD.