Physical Activity Patterns and Kidney Function Changes Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: An Analysis from the HCHS/SOL Cohort

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) may be a modifiable factor for CKD prevention, but evidence specific to Hispanic/Latino populations is limited. Objective: To examine the association between PA patterns and longitudinal changes in kidney function among Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a prospective cohort of 16,415 self-identified Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18–74 years, recruited from Chicago, Miami, the Bronx, and San Diego (2008–2011). Participants with complete accelerometer data, kidney function measurements at baseline and follow-up, and relevant covariate data were included. Of 8,073 participants in the main analysis, 7,177 were included in the incident CKD analyses after excluding those with baseline CKD. PA was assessed via 7-day accelerometry (light PA: 10–1534 counts/min; moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]: ≥1535 counts/min) and self-reported measures using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, categorized as total MVPA and recreational MVPA. Primary outcomes were annual percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and annual change in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). The secondary outcome was incident CKD, defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² with >1 mL/min/year decline or UACR ≥30 mg/g at follow-up. Results: Among 8,073 participants (mean age 42.5 years; 55.7% women), the average annual percent change in eGFR was –0.61% (95% CI: –0.68% to –0.54%), and the average annual change in UACR was +2.03 mg/g (95% CI: 0.98 to 3.07). In fully adjusted models, accelerometer-measured light PA and MVPA were not significantly associated with eGFR change (light PA: –0.009% per 15 min/day; 95% CI: –0.024% to 0.006%; MVPA: –0.012% per 15 min/day; 95% CI: –0.046% to 0.023%). However, self-reported recreational MVPA was associated with significantly lower UACR (–0.208 mg/g per year per 15 min/day; 95% CI: –0.390 to –0.026). No significant associations were found between PA and incident CKD. Conclusions: Among Hispanic/Latino adults, higher recreational MVPA was associated with reduced albuminuria, suggesting potential kidney health benefits. However, no significant associations were observed between overall physical activity and kidney function decline or incident CKD. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore why recreational PA, but not total or accelerometer-measured PA, may be linked to kidney health in this population.