The GFR-Physical Activity and Vascular Health-Longitudinal study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What causes kidney function to decline in patients with chronic kidney disease? A longitudinal study comparing traditional clinical assessments to novel measures of physical activity and blood vessel health.
IRAS ID
270575
Contact name
Jamie Macdonald
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor Univeristy (SSHES)
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
WHY? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition, caused by an inability of the kidneys to function effectively. There is currently no cure. CKD is associated with a reduced life span and quality of life and an increased risk of death as a result of heart disease. Poor blood vessel health, across the whole body, has been shown to contribute to the progression of CKD. Physical activity levels are associated with kidney function and regular physical activity is known to improve the health of blood vessels in healthy individuals and people suffering with other diseases, such as diabetes. Whether there is a link between physical activity levels improving kidney function by improving blood vessel health is unknown.
WHAT? The main aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity levels and kidney function and whether this relationship is affected by the health of the blood vessels or other clinical risk factors, such as blood pressure.
WHO? Patients with CKD stages 1 to 5. A group of healthy individuals will also participate to make comparisons between people with CKD and people without CKD.
WHERE? Participants will be recruited from renal units and out-patient clinics within Betsi Cadwaladr University Hospital Health Board, North Wales. Testing will be completed at renal units, medical physics departments, and at Bangor University.
HOW? The study will last up to 5 years, with patients being required to attend a maximum of three visits in any year. Assessments will include a gold-standard assessment of kidney function, ultrasound, laser Doppler and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans to measure the health of the blood vessels, a fitness test to measure functional capacity and a series of blood and urine tests.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
20/WA/0213
Date of REC Opinion
25 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion