title: Assessing physical function and physical activity in patients with CKD.
abstract: Patients with CKD are characterized by low levels of physical functioning, which, along with low physical activity, predict poor outcomes in those treated with dialysis. The hallmark of clinical care in geriatric practice and geriatric research is the orientation to and assessment of physical function and functional limitations. Although there is increasing interest in physical function and physical activity in patients with CKD, the nephrology field has not focused on this aspect of care. This paper provides an in-depth review of the measurement of physical function and physical activity. It focuses on physiologic impairments and physical performance limitations (impaired mobility and functional limitations). The review is based on established frameworks of physical impairment and functional limitations that have guided research in physical function in the aging population. Definitions and measures for physiologic impairments, physical performance limitations, self-reported function, and physical activity are presented. On the basis of the information presented, recommendations for incorporating routine assessment of physical function and encouragement for physical activity in clinical care are provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA. trish.painter@hsc.utah.edu
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Painter
authors.forename: Robin L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Marcus
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D010808:Physical Examination; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy