Functional Capacity, Liver Transplantation, Muscle Weakness, Postoperative Recovery
Conditions
Keywords
Physiotherapy, Liver Transplantation, Telerehabilitation, Functional Capacity, Fatigue
Brief summary
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of a telerehabilitation-based exercise program on muscle strength, exercise capacity, fatigue level, and cognitive status in adult liver transplant recipients. Liver transplantation is a major surgical procedure, and patients may experience reduced physical capacity, muscle weakness, and fatigue during recovery. Exercise-based rehabilitation may help improve these outcomes, but access to in-person rehabilitation programs may be limited after discharge. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving routine post-transplant care or an intervention group participating in a supervised telerehabilitation exercise program. The intervention consists of a 12-week program conducted twice weekly via video communication with a physiotherapist. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the program. The study seeks to determine whether a structured, remotely supervised exercise program can improve functional recovery and reduce fatigue in liver transplant patients, potentially offering an accessible rehabilitation option after hospital discharge.
Detailed description
Liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that requires a structured recovery process extending from the pre-transplant period through hospitalization and post-discharge phases. After transplantation, patients frequently experience reduced physical capacity, decreased muscle strength, fatigue, and functional limitations that may negatively affect quality of life and recovery. Early and structured rehabilitation interventions are therefore considered important components of post-transplant care.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALTelerehabilitation Exercise Group
Participants in this group received a structured telerehabilitation-based exercise program delivered under real-time supervision by a physiotherapist. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and was conducted twice weekly via video communication. Each session lasted approximately 30-45 minutes and included warm-up exercises, posture and breathing exercises, isometric strengthening exercises for upper and lower extremities, functional exercises such as sit-to-stand, and walking training, followed by cool-down and stretching. Exercise intensity was maintained at a moderate level based on perceived exertion, and progression was applied throughout the program by increasing repetitions and duration to ensure adaptation and safety. Participants were initially instructed face-to-face before discharge and then continued the program remotely after discharge.
Sponsors
Hasan Kalyoncu University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The intervention group received a structured telerehabilitation-based exercise program in addition to routine post-transplant care, while the control group continued routine daily activities without a supervised exercise intervention. The study followed a parallel assignment design in which participants remained in their allocated group throughout the 12-week intervention period, and outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years or older * Medically stable and cleared for participation in an exercise program * Able to communicate and cooperate with the researcher * Literate and able to understand instructions * No orthopedic or neurological condition that would limit exercise participation * Approximately one month post-discharge following liver transplantation * Willing to participate and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of medical conditions that contraindicate exercise participation * Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that could interfere with the exercise program * Cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions or participation in assessments * Postoperative complications requiring activity restriction * Participation in another structured exercise or rehabilitation program during the study period * Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Distance | Baseline (pre-intervention) and end of the 12-week intervention period | Change in functional exercise capacity measured by the distance (meters) walked during the 6-minute walk test. |
| Fatigue Severity Scale | Baseline (pre-intervention) and end of the 12-week intervention period | Change in fatigue severity measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Total scores range from 9 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) | Baseline and end of 12 weeks | Change in oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter. |
| Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Score | Baseline and end of 12 weeks | Change in cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. |
| Heart Rate | Baseline and end of 12 weeks | Change in heart rate measured using a pulse oximeter device. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORIlker Demir, PhD
Inonu University
Outcome results
None listed