Transplant Trial Watch

Effect of high-intensity training on peak oxygen uptake and muscular strength after lung transplantation: A randomized controlled trial.

Ulvestad, M., et al.

Journal of Heart & Lung Transplantation 2020; 39(9): 859-867.


Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on lung transplant recipients.

Interventions
Participants were randomized to either the mixed-mode HIIT group or the usual care group.

Participants
54 lung transplant recipients.

Outcomes
The primary endpoint was change cardiorespiratory fitness. The secondary endpoints were changes in muscular strength, pulmonary function, physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and after intervention.

Follow-up
20 weeks

CET Conclusions
This single-centre RCT randomised lung transplant recipients who were 6-60 months posttransplant to a 20-week, high-intensity interval training programme or usual care. No details about the randomisation process and whether allocation was concealed were included in the report. The sample size calculation was based on the primary outcome cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and showed that 15 patients per group were needed for 80% power. Fifty-four patients were randomised and 46 patients were included in the primary analysis. Average attendance of the exercise sessions was 73%. No significant difference was found for the change in VO2peak although an effect for the exercise group was found in the per-protocol analysis of patients who adhered to the protocol. There was also a statistically significant difference for the leg press scores in favour of the exercise group. Health-related quality of life scores (SF-36) showed a significant difference for the change in mental summary score in favour of the exercise group but not for the physical score. No significant differences were found between groups for physical functioning and pulmonary function.

Jadad score
2

Data analysis
Per protocol analysis

Allocation concealment
No

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT03155074

Funding source
Non-industry funded