Effects of exercise on individuals with chronic kidney disease: an evidence gap map

Revisão - número e225384 - publicado 20 de junho de 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Despite compromised exercise capacity and quality of life, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are extremely inactive. Thus, exercise plays an essential role in disease management and has been strongly recommended, regardless of disease severity. Mapping the main evidence about this topic allows an evidence-based practice. Objective: To summarize the effects of exercise-based interventions prescribed for patients with CKD by producing an evidence gap map. Methods: After a comprehensive search in electronic databases, the eligible studies were analyzed by two reviewers. The data was extracted and plotted into a matrix linking interventions and outcomes. The narrative synthesis included only the findings of the studies published in the last five years. The confidence level was assessed as recommended. Results: In total, 75 reviews published between 2005  and 2022 were included in the map, but only 50 were described in the narrative synthesis. We found 179 associations, especially positive, based on the analysis of plotting 20 interventions categorized into seven groups and 27 outcomes categorized into 13 groups. Negative, potentially negative, and adverse effects were not reported, which indicates that exercise is safe for patients with CKD. Conclusion: The mapped evidence were mainly high confidence level, corroborating the role of prescribing exercise for patients with CKD as a safe and positively effective intervention for multiple outcomes with highlights for physical fitness, clinical outcomes, quality of life and wellbeing.