NCT07633145 · Duke University
Lifestyle Intervention In CKD
(CKD-LIFE)
What this study is about
This research study will test whether a 12-week healthy lifestyle program offered through a cardiac rehabilitation center can help lower blood pressure and improve kidney health in adults with advanced chronic kidney disease.
View original scientific description
This research study will test whether a 12-week healthy lifestyle program offered through a cardiac rehabilitation center can help lower blood pressure and improve kidney health in adults with advanced chronic kidney disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either routine kidney health education or take part in a program that includes healthy eating guidance, supervised exercise sessions, and wellness coaching. The goal of the study is to determine whether this program can improve blood pressure and other factors linked to worsening kidney disease.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Multi-component lifestyle intervention
Cardiac rehabilitation-based program including supervised exercise, DASH-based dietary counseling, and wellness support over 12 weeks.
BEHAVIORAL
Usual Care Control
Routine medical care in addition to 1) one 30-minute counseling session with dietician and 2) an exercise prescription
Primary outcome measures
Change in clinic systolic blood pressure (SBP)
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 9 months
Three BP values obtained one minute apart will be obtained and averaged to define clinic BP for that time point.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Black race; ≥18 years old
- history of hypertension
- SBP ≥120 or DBP ≥80 mm Hg average of three measurements at screening visit (per KDIGO recommended SBP target of \<120 mm Hg)48
- Stable anti-hypertensive medication regimen (i.e., no medication changes 4 weeks prior to enrollment);
- eGFR of 15-44 ml/min/1.73m2 at screening visit
- agreeable to randomization to either of the 2 study arms
Exclusion criteria
- currently receiving or needing dialysis; having received or needing a kidney transplant
- acute kidney injury at time of screening
- average SBP ≥ 180 mm Hg or DBP ≥ 110 mm Hg at screening
- Exaggerated systolic response during ETT (e.g., SBP \>210 mmHg in men or \>190 mmHg in women)
- underweight (BMI \<18.5 kg/m2)
- planned weight loss surgery in 1 year
- a score of 27 or higher on the BP medication adherence scale
- cardiac condition that would preclude participation in aerobic exercise training, including severe ischemic heart disease (CCS Class 3 or 4 angina or evidence of ischemia at \<85% heart rate reserve on screening treadmill testing), severe heart failure (NYHA Class 3 or 4), high grade arrhythmias, severe valvular heart disease
- severe asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease
- musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions that would preclude participation in aerobic exercise training
- a major psychiatric disorder
- illicit drug abuse
- current alcohol consumption \>14 drinks/week for men and \>7 drinks/week for women
- pregnant or planned pregnancy within 1 year
- gastric bypass surgery within the last 2 years
- a life-limiting comorbid medical condition, such as cancer.
- physical limitation, gait instability, or need for continuous weight-bearing support that, in the opinion of study staff, would prevent safe completion of exercise treadmill testing
Where
- Durham, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations