Kenneth Wilund

Biography

He has received his Ph.D., Kinesiology, University of Maryland, 2000. Currently he is an Associate Professor in department of Kinesiology and Community Health at University of Illinois.

Research Interest

Professor Wilund's area of interest is exercise science. The focus of the research in our lab is to investigate the efficacy of lifestyle modifications (exercise and dietary factors) on co-morbidities associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a progressive disorder associated with severe metabolic disturbances that greatly increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and other disorders that contribute to extremely low physical functioning in this population. Current pharmacological therapies have failed to significantly improve the health and quality of life (QOL) of this rapidly growing patient population, therefore investigating the efficacy of alternative or supplemental therapies is clearly needed. Our research will provide novel information regarding the effects of novel and easy to administer lifestyle interventions on clinical outcomes and QOL in dialysis patients. Results from our work will enable nephrologists to make more informed decisions regarding the extent to which these low-cost treatment strategies should be included as a component of the standard care in their clinics.