Combination exercise to reduce fatigue in veterans with chronic kidney disease

Objective and Subjective Measures of Fatigability in Veterans With Chronic Kidney Disease Before and After Flywheel Resistance Plus Aerobic Exercise

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04397159

This study is testing whether a mix of resistance and aerobic exercises can help veterans with chronic kidney disease feel less tired and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT04397159 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of combination exercise, specifically flywheel resistance exercise paired with aerobic training, on reducing fatigability in veterans diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4 who are not on dialysis. The research focuses on understanding the relationship between performance fatigability, perceived fatigability, and neuromuscular capacity in this population. By utilizing a health promotion model, the study seeks to identify at-risk individuals early and provide timely interventions to improve their functional status and overall health. Participants will undergo assessments to measure the impact of the exercise regimen on their fatigue levels and physical function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are ambulatory veterans aged 50 and older with chronic kidney disease stages 3 and 4 who are not on dialysis.

Not a fit: Patients with acute renal failure, non-ambulatory individuals, or those with uncontrolled cardiovascular or musculoskeletal diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and functional capacity of veterans with chronic kidney disease by reducing fatigue.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of flywheel resistance and aerobic exercise in CKD patients is novel, similar exercise interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ambulatory (with or without a gait aid), 50 years of age or older diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 \& 4 predialysis (as defined by eGFR 59-15 ml/min per 1.73m2)
* Control group will include ambulatory individuals without clinical evidence of kidney disease (defined by eGRF \>60 ml/min per 1.73m2) within the last 12-months
* All participants must be able to speak and read English, and demonstrate orientation to person, place, and time

Exclusion Criteria:

* adults diagnosed with acute renal failure/injury within the last 12-months
* non-ambulatory individuals
* adults who do not use the DC VAMC as their main site for renal care
* those who have any uncontrolled cardiovascular
* musculoskeletal disease
* or other conditions that, in the opinion of the principal investigator, could make participation in the study unsafe
* any orthopedic or joint pain which would prevent the participant from safely engaging in the study protocol
* additionally, individuals with plans to relocate from the DC metro area within one year will not be eligible for the intervention portion of the study

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Kidney Disease Predialysisfatigabilitystrengthrehabilitationeccentric exercisecombination exercise
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.