Chronic Kidney Disease and Unmet Needs for Comprehensive Rehabilitation in Australia.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 2 million Australians and imposes substantial clinical, societal and economic burdens. A pervasive yet under-recognised consequence is progressive muscle loss and functional decline, manifesting as sarcopenia and frailty, which are highly prevalent across CKD stages and strongly associated with hospitalisation, disability and mortality. Although exercise-based interventions improve physical function, quality of life and cardiovascular risk profiles, access and participation remain limited. Furthermore, compared with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, funding for CKD-specific allied health services is fragmented and inadequate, with no dedicated funding pathways. Strategic policy reform is urgently needed to embed renal rehabilitation into standard kidney care.