Sedentary CKD Individuals Exercise Study

Sedentary individuals with CKD stages III and IV (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] between 15 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m²), as defined by the CKD-EPI equation (68 (link)), were recruited from Emory University clinics and the Atlanta VA Health Care System for participation in this study. All participants were sedentary, defined as engaged in less than 20 minutes twice per week of self-reported physical activity, and had stable renal function (no greater than a decline of eGFR of 1 cc/min/1.73m² per month over the prior 3 months). Exclusion criteria included uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 160/90 mmHg), vascular disease, use of clonidine, clinical evidence of heart failure or active heart disease determined by history, electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram, ongoing illicit drug use, alcohol use > 2 drinks/day within the past 12 months, diabetic neuropathy, severe anemia (hemoglobin < 10mg/dL), and pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.