Effect of a physical exercise program on the functional capacity of liver transplant patients.
Garcia AMC, Veneroso CE, et al.Transplantation Proceedings 2014; 46(6): 1807-1808.
Aims
To investigate the effect of a physical exercise program on the functional capacity of liver transplant patients (LTP).
Interventions
Patients were randomized to either exercise group (EG) or control group (CG), where the EG performed 24 sessions of continuous 30 min treadmill exercise with intensity increasing from 50%-70% of the maximum heart rate over the training period.
Participants
15 LTP who underwent liver transplant surgery 6-12 months prior to the beginning of the study
Outcomes
Primary outcomes measured were distance walked in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and resting energy expenditure (REE ). Body mass index (BMI) was also measured.
Follow-up
End of sessions
CET Conclusions
This very small study (15 patients) investigates the role of exercise sessions on the resting energy expenditure (REE) and walking distance of liver transplant patients 6-12 months post-op. A significant improvement in REE and walking distance was observed in the exercise group compared to controls. Other than the very small sample size, there are some caveats. The method for patient selection and randomisation is not described. Little demographic information is given to compare the groups at baseline, with the exercise group having a significantly worse walking distance and REE at baseline than controls. The differences in REE and walking distance seen following training are actually similar to the differences between the two groups at baseline. It is therefore possible that the benefit seen in the exercise group represents a greater gain in those patients with a worse starting walking distance/REE.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Trial registration
None