Dr Annette Traise1, Gudrun Dieberg1, Melissa J Pearson1, Neil A Smart1, Elizabeth Degotardi1, Bailey Hart1, Fiza Kaippilly1, Darcy McInnes1, David Ryan1
1UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, Armidale, Australia
Biography:
Annette is a researcher whose work focuses on the physiological and clinical impacts of exercise in chronic kidney disease. Her PhD comprised two complementary projects: a comprehensive pre‑dialysis study evaluating the effects of exercise on functional capacity, inflammatory profiles, cardiac function, renal biomarkers, biochemical parameters and patient‑reported outcomes; and a dialysis‑focused investigation examining the influence of exercise on quality of life in people dependent on haemodialysis. Her research emphasises the role of targeted, non‑pharmacological interventions in CKD management. Informed by a clinical background in paramedicine and pharmacy, Annette’s research is grounded in applied, evidence‑driven inquiry aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Background:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects diverse populations, with disproportionate burden among socioeconomically, geographically and culturally marginalised groups. Across the disease trajectory, individuals experience reduced functional capacity, impaired quality of life (QoL) and elevated cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Although exercise training is recognised as a safe adjunct therapy, its uptake in CKD care remains limited. A contemporary synthesis of exercise effects across CKD stages is pivotal to strengthening evidence‑based, patient‑centred practice.
Aim:
To establish a rigorous, translational evidence base describing the effects of exercise training on physiological, functional, biochemical and QoL outcomes in adults with CKD, and to identify opportunities for implementation across clinical and community settings.
Methods:
A staged research program was undertaken. A scoping review of systematic reviews with meta‑analysis mapped the existing evidence base.. Two subsequent systematic reviews and meta‑analyses of randomised controlled trials evaluated: (1) multisystem responses to exercise in pre‑dialysis CKD, and (2) QoL outcomes in individuals receiving renal replacement therapy.
Results:
Exercise training improved aerobic capacity, functional performance, general health‑related QoL and several biochemical markers, including estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum cystatin‑C, resting heart rate, waist circumference, triglycerides, glycosylated haemoglobin and interleukin‑6. In renal replacement therapy, supervised, moderate‑intensity aerobic or resistance training delivered intra‑ or inter-dialytically produced meaningful improvements in mental and physical QoL summary scores.
Conclusion:
This research provides robust evidence that exercise training delivers clinically relevant benefits across the CKD spectrum. Findings outline pathways for developing accessible, adaptable and culturally responsive exercise programs that advance equitable, patient‑centred CKD care.