Implementing Exercise: What Do We Know? Where Do We Go?

Exercise capacity, physical functioning, and physical activity are all low in patients with CKD treated with dialysis. Although there is robust evidence that these patients benefit from regular exercise training and/or increasing physical activity, the nephrology community has not adopted recommendations and encouragement for physical activity as a part of the routine care plan. This article reviews what is known regarding the implementation of exercise and provides suggestions as to how exercise counseling might become a routine part of the care of patients with CKD. (C) 2009 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.