Nephrologists' View on Exercise Training in Chronic Kidney Disease (results of the Questionnaire at the WCN 2003)

During the WCN 2003 in Berlin a questionnaire on the opinion of nephrologists about physical activity was provided. A total of 47 participants completed the questionnaire (Germany 6, other European countries 15, non-European countries 15, unknown country 12). 37% of the individuals stated that they exercise on a regular basis, whereas 41% exercise infrequently. 95% agreed on the fact that the sedentary lifestyle is an important risk factor in CKD patients; 78% thought that it is the responsibility of the nephrologist to advice the patients about physical activity. 33% offer in-centre training programs. 15% of the patients participate in out-centre groups. This occurs most frequently in Germany where the health care system provides the largest financial support. 74% were in need of written material about exercising. Thus, it is an important goal to include instructions concerning training instruction and infrastructure into the routine treatment regimen of CKD patients, dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients.