A 12-week telehealth-supported home-based exercise program improves functional capacity and patient-reported outcomes in non-dialysis stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease.
In a randomized controlled trial of 54 non-dialysis CKD patients, a 12-week telehealth-supported home-based exercise program significantly improved 6-minute walk test distance compared to usual care (+29.41 m vs -19.27 m, P < .001). Significant improvements were also observed in sarcopenia risk, fatigue, mood symptoms, sleep quality, physical performance, and quality of life.
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A 12-week telehealth-supported home-based exercise program improves functional capacity and patient-reported outcomes in non-dialysis stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
A 12-week telehealth-supported home-based exercise program improves functional capacity and patient-reported outcomes in non-dialysis stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Non-dialysis patients aged ≥45 years with stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of a telehealth-supported home-based exercise program on functional capacity, sarcopenia risk, and patient-reported outcomes in non-dialysis stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease. (Journal of nephrology, 2026) — In a randomized controlled trial of 54 non-dialysis CKD patients, a 12-week telehealth-supported home-based exercise program significantly improved 6-minute walk test distance compared to usual care (+29.41 m vs -19.27 m, P < .001). Significant improvements were also observed in sarcopenia risk, fatigue, mood symptoms, sleep quality, physical performance, and quality of life.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Home-based exercise improves physical activity levels
- ▸Enhanced muscle strength and endurance
- ▸Reduced sarcopenia risk and fatigue
- ▸Improved functional capacity and quality of life
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Non-dialysis patients aged ≥45 years with stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Complete-case analysis may introduce bias due to dropout (3 participants excluded)
- ▸No blinding of participants or outcome assessors mentioned
- ▸Short-term follow-up (12 weeks) limits long-term sustainability assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of this study?▼
The primary outcome is change in 6-minute walk test distance, a measure of functional capacity.
How many participants completed the study?▼
51 participants completed the study (exercise group: n=25, control group: n=26).
What type of exercise program was used?▼
A 12-week telehealth-supported home-based exercise program, with 40% using a web-based platform and 60% receiving video-based support.
Did the exercise program improve sleep quality?▼
Yes, significant improvements in sleep quality were observed in the exercise group compared to controls.
References
- 1.Yıldırım Uz B, Güneş Gencer GY, Bora F. “Effects of a telehealth-supported home-based exercise program on functional capacity, sarcopenia risk, and patient-reported outcomes in non-dialysis stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease..” Journal of nephrology, 2026. PMID: 42669568 DOI: 10.1093/joneph/aajag172