Washington: Being sedentary for too long during the day may be a risk factor for chronic kidney disease, according to a study.

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) researchers found that each 80 minutes/day (assuming 16 awake hours/day) increase in sedentary duration -- that involves engaging in activities in the seated or lying position that barely raise the energy expenditure above resting level -- was associated with a 20 percent increased likelihood of chronic kidney disease.

"Sedentary behaviour, which is not mere lack of moderate/vigorous physical activity, is likely an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease," said study co-author Srini Beddhu, MD, of the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Beddhu along with Dominique Ferranti and other colleagues examined 5,873 adults in whom intensity and duration of physical activities were measured.

However, Beddhu said that it needs to be tested "whether sedentary behaviour affects the progression of chronic kidney disease, and thereby, increases the risk of end stage renal disease."

"Hence, interventions targeting sedentary behaviour to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease need to be conducted."

The study findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2015 from November 3-8 at the San Diego Convention Centre in California.