Enhancing Physical Function in Older Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease

Older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly exhibit severe impairments in physical function (i.e., inability to perform activities of daily living). Muscle power-the product of muscle force and velocity of contraction- is now widely considered to be a critical determinant of physical function in older adults. Despite this, muscle power has been largely overlooked in the aims and outcomes of exercise interventions for patients with CKD. Several clinical trials have shown that high-velocity resistance training (HVRT) programs consisting of functional movements performed "as fast as possible" with low external loads are safe and effective for improving muscle power and physical function in older adults. However, the available evidence on the effects of exercise interventions designed to improve muscle power in patients with CKD is scarce. This study seeks to determine whether an HVRT intervention in mobility-limited older adults with advanced CKD is feasible, safe, and potentially effective for improving muscle power and physical function.