Kidney health research links physical fitness to disease prevention

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often develops without obvious symptoms, making early detection critical. New research from Japan suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness—the body’s ability to supply oxygen during sustained activity—may serve as a predictor for how quickly kidneys age. The study, which involved adults near Ibaraki Prefecture, utilized cycling tests to measure endurance capacity rather than relying on self-reported exercise habits.

Globally, approximately 674 million people live with CKD. In May 2025, the World Health Assembly approved its first resolution dedicated to kidney health, emphasizing the need for improved prevention and treatment. Because early stages of the disease can be mistaken for stress or dehydration, medical professionals recommend specific diagnostic tools.

Key tests for identifying impaired function include the serum creatinine blood test, which helps calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). The UACR test can detect the presence of albumin, a blood protein, in the urine, which often indicates kidney damage even when other results appear normal.