Abstract
In this study we investigated the effects of a 3-months exercise training program that was initiated immediately following hospital discharge after lung transplantation (LTx). Primary outcomes were participation in daily physical activity and physical fitness 1 year after LTx.
Methods: Patients were randomized after hospital discharge to receive either exercise training (n=17) or a control intervention consisting of instructions to be physically active (n=16). Patients were assessed upon hospital discharge following LTx (baseline) and outcomes of interventions were evaluated 1 year later. Comparisons between groups were adjusted for baseline measurements (ANCOVA). Daily activity was assessed with the DynaPort (McRoberts, The Hague, NL) and the SenseWear Monitor (BodyMedia, Pittsburgh, US).
Results: Age, gender distribution (51% female), Type of LTx (21% single LTx), pulmonary function, physical activity and physical fitness were comparable between groups on baseline. Statistically significant differences between groups 1 year after hospital discharge were observed in end-points reflecting physical fitness and daily physical activity.
Conclusions: Results of this randomized controlled trial show that supervised exercise training initiated immediately following hospital discharge improves functional recovery up to one year after LTx.
- © 2011 ERS