Virtual Physical Prehabilitation in Lung Transplant Candidates: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Transpl Int. 2024 Feb 16:37:12355. doi: 10.3389/ti.2024.12355. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

This study aimed to preliminary test the effectiveness of 12-week virtual physical prehabilitation program followed by a maintenance phase. The main objective was to estimate the extent to which it affects exercise capacity, frailty, lower limb strength and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in lung transplant candidates. The program offered supervised strengthening exercises, independent aerobic exercises and weekly phone calls (maintenance phase). Primary outcome was the six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes: the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), five-times sit-to-stand test (5STS), the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for HRQOL. Twenty patients were included (mean age 57.9; 6 women/14 men); fourteen completed the prehabilitation program and 5 completed the maintenance phase. There was no statistically significant improvement in 6MWD, SPPB or SGRQ after the 12-week program. Most patients either maintained or improved the 6MWT and SPPB scores. There was a significant improvement in the 5STS. After the maintenance phase, most patients either improved or maintained their scores in all outcomes except for the sub-score of symptoms in the SGRQ. A 12-week virtual physical prehabilitation program with a 12-week maintenance phase can help lung transplant candidates improve or maintain their physical function while waiting for transplantation.

Keywords: exercise; lung transplantation; prehabilitation; rehabilitation; telerehabilitation.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Frailty*
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Preoperative Exercise
  • Quality of Life

Grants and funding

This study has been funded by a Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP) Innovation Grant.