Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of exercise training interventions on frailty, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and lower limb function in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients.

Approach:

• Search Strategy: Systematic search of seven electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing structured exercise interventions with usual care or sham exercise in adult NDD-CKD patients.
• Data Synthesis: Data synthesized using a random-effects model, reporting standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Key Findings:

• Exercise interventions significantly improved walking speed (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI 0.03–0.69; P = 0.03) and alleviated fatigue (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI 0.04–0.64; P = 0.03).
• Exercise significantly enhanced overall CRF (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.63; P < 0.001) and lower limb function (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.79; P < 0.001).
• Outcomes for absolute body weight, handgrip strength, and general physical activity levels did not reach statistical significance.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study is limited to published data, which may introduce publication bias.
• Only RCTs were included, potentially excluding relevant observational studies.

Conclusion:

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration