Boosting self-care and physical activity for older adults with chronic kidney disease
Activation for Self-Care Needs in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: ACTIVE SENIORS with CKD.
This project offers a program to help older Veterans with chronic kidney disease increase physical activity and build self-care skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11071978 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a program made for older Veterans with chronic kidney disease that focuses on increasing how often you move, not just exercise capacity. The team uses a behavior-change model called COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) and measures your Patient Activation (confidence and skills to manage health) to tailor support. They will monitor your activity levels, muscle strength, frailty signs, and blood markers over time to see who benefits most. The aim is to reduce frailty risk and learn which patients respond best so help can be targeted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older Veterans with chronic kidney disease who are relatively sedentary and receiving care through the VA, especially those concerned about frailty or weakness.
Not a fit: People without CKD, younger adults, or those already regularly active and physically strong are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults with CKD stay stronger, reduce frailty, and lower the risk of hospitalization or dialysis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous exercise programs in CKD improved fitness but often did not strengthen muscles or use behavior-change methods, so applying COM-B and targeting patient activation is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair, Devika — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Nair, Devika
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.