Resistance Exercise Training in Chronic Kidney Disease

Resistance exercise training has been shown to improve cardiovascular health including
endothelial function in general populations, but studies in patients with chronic kidney
disease (CKD) are limited. The investigators aim to evaluate the feasibility and
acceptability of a resistance exercise training program among individuals with CKD and its
impact on endothelial and vascular function as measured by brachial artery flow-mediated
dilation, pulse-wave velocity and carotid artery stiffness. To accomplish this goal the
investigators propose to conduct a 12-week pilot randomized controlled trial of twice a week
resistance exercise training among 32 adults with CKD. The results of this study will inform
the design and implementation of a larger trial evaluating the impact of resistance exercise
training on adverse outcomes in patients with CKD including CKD progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

- CKD stage 3 or 4 (eGFR 15-60 ml/min/1.73m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Currently institutionalized

- Kidney transplant or dialysis

- NY Heart Association class 3-4 heart failure

- Dementia or cognitive impairment

- Unstable angina or coronary revascularization within the last 3 months

- Uncontrolled arrhythmia

- Severe chronic lung disease

- Orthopedic, neurologic or other condition that would preclude resistance exercise
training

- Pregnancy

- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic > 160 mmHg and diastolic >90 mmHg)