The impact of aquatic exercise on cardio-respiratory, renal and lipid parameters in chronic renal failure patients

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of aquatic exercise in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. Cardio-respiratory, renal functional and lipid parameters were determined in 17 sedentary CRF patients at baseline and after 12-week low-intensity aerobic water-based exercise. Results showed significant improvement in cardiopulmonary reserve and physical working capacity. Proteinuria diminished significantly and glomerular filtration rate improvement was reinforced by significant serum cystatin C decrease. Significant lowering was estimated in serum total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation level. Resting mean blood pressure was lowered after the program. We conclude that regular aerobic aquatic exercise has beneficial effects on CRF patients.