It’s not just athletes and the superfit that benefit from the likes of weightlifting. A new study has revealed that lifting weights can help those suffering from kidney disease feel relief for the very first time since their diagnosis. The study was conducted by a team of researchers based at the University of Leicester led by Dr. Emma Watson, Dr. Tom Wilkinson, and Professor Alice Smith.





Before starting the program patients went through a six week control period where researchers had a chance to observe any natural changes in muscle, fitness, and strength.

Results from the study showed that non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients that carried out combined and aerobic exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks were found to be significantly stronger, had bigger leg muscles, and better cardiorespiratory fitness. While there were some changes to be seen in those CKD patients that just did aerobic exercise, they weren’t anywhere near as significant.

“There is limited research on the effects of exercise in CKD patients, and a lack of knowledge on what exercise is most beneficial in this group,” says Dr. Tom Wilkinson. “Our study shows that both aerobic exercises and strength exercises are important in CKD patients in keeping muscles strong and healthy and can be combined successfully and safely.”





Before starting the program patients went through a six week control period where researchers had a chance to observe any natural changes in muscle, fitness, and strength. Patients then followed a 12-week exercise program that had them performing combined or aerobic exercising for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.

Here’s what one 80-year patient taking part in the program said: “I went for my first session and I was absolutely over the moon. I loved it because they will be absolutely delighted. I used to really like the exercise and the staff there were so supportive and explained everything to me. I was just a very happy lady.” Another patient, a 62-year old male, said: “I have certainly noticed that my general level of fitness changed after the extra CKD and I discovered muscles that I hadn’t had for a while.”





More News to Read

Comments

comments