Sedentarism, A Modifiable Risk Factor for Developing Chronic Kidney Disease in Healthy People

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a consequence of the interaction of many pathophysiological processes, manifested by a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and abnormal kidney function. Sedentary behavior is associated with decreased kidney function, and regular physical activity could have the potential to reduce the risk of developing CKD, although this is not entirely clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior and the development of CKD. METHODS: A search was carried out in different databases and metasearchers from January 2015 to June 2020 for cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies, in which the association of a sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity with the appearance of CKD was evaluated in healthy people. Eight articles were obtained, including six cross-sectional studies, one case-control, and one cohort study. The quality of evidence for the main outcomes was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) model. RESULTS: Most of the studies included in this systematic review agree that there is an association between a sedentary lifestyle and CKD; however, not all used the same definition of this disease, in the same way, the definitions of physical activity and sedentary behavior were different between these studies, as well as the methods of measuring sedentary behavior. CONCLUSION: CKD could be associated with sedentary behavior in previously healthy people. It was not possible to determine a measure of association with the available scientific evidence, as the study designs were heterogeneous. Modifiable risk factors should be considered in different population groups to reduce the risk of CKD.