Flywheel Resistance Exercise to Improve Skeletal Muscle in Veterans With Chronic Kidney Disease

Among Veterans, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is reported to be as high as 47.3% and a third higher than the general population. Muscle wasting and dysfunction have been identified as primary consequences of CKD. Disease-induced reductions in lean tissue adversely affect muscle fatigability. Consequently, muscle fatigability may serve as a potential limiting factor that contributes to activity limitations. However, there is a lack of evidence informing our understanding of muscle fatigability in patients with CKD. Dialysis treatment is a major factor contributing to the high financial costs of CKD care. Thus, in addition to potential health and quality of life benefits, treatments capable of maintaining kidney function or delaying the onset of dialysis treatment would provide substantial socio-economic benefit. Both lean body mass and muscle fatigability may be improved through strength training. Eccentric-overload (i.e. muscle lengthening) progressive resistance exercise (PRE) has been shown to be safe and effective for a variety of chronic conditions. Eccentric PRE using portable flywheel technology may provide a clinically viable treatment option to combat muscle impairments in CKD given the cost effectiveness and minimal space requirements for this mode of exercise.

The purpose of this study is to assess feasibility of the eccentric-overload PRE regimen for Veterans with CKD stage 3 & 4 predialysis using a prospective single-arm pre-test post-test intervention design. The primary aim of the project is to determine the effects of eccentric-overload PRE on muscle fatigability in Veterans with CKD Stages 3 & 4 predialysis. Feasibility of the regimen will be determined by the time needed to complete the 4-exercise regimen and the perceived exertion levels reported by the study participants.