Exercise training after lung transplantation improves participation in daily activity: a randomized controlled trial

Telehealth interventions to improve outcomes in lung transplant recipients: Primary results of the INSPIRE-III randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that many patients undergoing lung transplantation report significant distress and low physical activity (PA), which might not improve despite lung transplantation and may be associated with worse clinical outcomes. Few studies have attempted to improve psychological outcomes and functional capacity and PA after transplant.

METHODS

Investigational Study of Psychological Interventions in Recipients of Lung Transplant-III is a single-site, randomized clinical trial in which 180 post lung transplant patients, recruited between November 2019 and October 2023, completed a psychometric test battery to assess distress and functional capacity measured by the 6-Minute Walk Test and PA assessed by 7 consecutive days of continuous activity monitoring. Participants were then randomly assigned to either a 12-week Coping Skills Training and Exercise intervention (CSTEX) or a Standard of Care plus Education (SoC-ED) program delivered via telephone. Participants were then retested after completion of the telehealth interventions.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, both intervention groups achieved small but similar improvements in distress and functional capacity. Although there were no between-group differences overall, patients who were considered clinically depressed at baseline and received CSTEX achieved greater improvements in depression compared to depressed patients who received SoC-ED.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients in both CSTEX and SoC-ED showed only modest benefit from their respective interventions, a subgroup of patients in CSTEX who were depressed at study entry had greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to SoC-ED. Depressive symptoms should be carefully monitored post-transplant and referred for treatment if symptoms persist.

TRIAL REGISTRY

NCT04093869.

Is High-Intensity Interval Training an Option for Post-Kidney Transplant Physical Rehabilitation Programmes? A Scoping Review

Purpose

To systematically and broadly review the literature to show the available information on high-intensity interval training for kidney transplant recipients as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation.

Methods

A scoping review of high-intensity interval training for post-kidney transplant patients was conducted by searching the PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science, and PEDro databases. Full-text records on the subject were included. Articles not published in English were excluded. The selected articles went through careful production quality analysis using the PEDro scale.

Results

The search identified 26 articles, 3 of which met the inclusion criteria. The material demonstrated satisfaction, confidence, improvement in resting heart rate, and absence of adverse effects from high-intensity interval training for kidney transplant recipients.

Conclusion

Based on this scoping review, high-intensity interval training for kidney transplant patients may be beneficial for physical and mental aspects and complement physical rehabilitation programmes, but there is a need for more studies with robust samples and long-term follow-up to confirm these benefits.

Cardiac Comorbidity and Exercise Intolerance in Bilateral Lung Transplant Recipients Followed at a Pediatric Center

Reduced exercise capacity is common in young bilateral lung transplantation (Bi-LTx) recipients, but longer-term data on cardiac comorbidities are limited. We evaluate potential cardiac contributions to long-term exercise intolerance in this population. All Bi-LTx recipients at a single pediatric center, who completed routine clinical post-transplant cardiac assessment, including echocardiogram, cardiac exam, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), were included. Cardiac risk factors (CRFs) were assessed by history and laboratory tests. CPET-derived peak and percent-predicted peak myocardial oxygen consumption (VO2 peak, ppVO2 peak) were used to quantitate exercise capacity. Percent-predicted peak oxygen pulse (pp peak O2 pulse) assessed stroke volume. 15 patients (67% M; median age 21.6 years, median follow-up from Bi-LTx 7.0 years) were included. Almost all patients (14, 93%) had multiple CRFs; hypertension and hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia were the most common. On CPET, 93% (n = 14) had abnormal (≤ 85%) ppVO2 peak (median 59%). 73% (n = 11) had abnormal pp peak O2 pulse (median 74%). Ten had blunted heart rate response to exercise. Nine had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LV-DD) on echocardiogram. Median percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in one second was 70%. One had severe chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Cardiac risk factors and exercise intolerance are common among young Bi-LTx recipients years post-transplant, even among those without significant pulmonary dysfunction. High prevalence of multiple CRFs, LV-DD, chronotropic dysfunction, and abnormal stroke volume suggest cardiac comorbidities may contribute to intolerance. Medical management of CRFs and tailored exercise may decrease cardiac risk and improve functional capacity for Bi-LTx survivors.

Impact and timing of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients undergoing bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves: A multicentre randomized controlled trial in patients with severe emphysema

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Both bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (BLVR-EBV) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are effective treatments for improving exercise capacity and patient-reported outcomes in patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). According to current recommendations, all BLVR-EBV patients should have undergone PR first. Our aim was to study the effects of PR both before and after BLVR-EBV compared to BLVR-EBV alone.

METHODS

We included patients with severe COPD who were eligible for BLVR-EBV and PR. Participants were randomized into three groups: PR before BLVR-EBV, PR after BLVR-EBV or BLVR-EBV without PR. The primary outcome was change in constant work rate cycle test (CWRT) endurance time at 6-month follow-up of the PR groups compared to BLVR-EBV alone. Secondary endpoints included changes in 6-minute walking test, daily step count, dyspnoea and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven participants were included. At 6-month follow-up, there was no difference in change in CWRT endurance time between the PR before BLVR-EBV and BLVR-EBV alone groups (median: 421 [IQR: 44; 1304] vs. 787 [123; 1024] seconds, p = 0.82) or in any of the secondary endpoints, but the PR after BLVR-EBV group exhibited a smaller improvement in CWRT endurance time (median: 107 [IQR: 2; 573], p = 0.04) and health-related quality of life compared to BLVR-EBV alone.

CONCLUSION

The addition of PR to BLVR-EBV did not result in increased exercise capacity, daily step count or improved patient-reported outcomes compared to BLVR-EBV alone, neither when PR was administered before BLVR-EBV nor when PR was administered after BLVR-EBV.

Supporting transplant athletes: perspectives on delivery of a sports performance and well-being service at the British Transplant Games

Evidence suggests that engaging in physical activity improves the mental and physical health of transplant recipients. An opportunity to be more active could be participating in the national and international network of Transplant Games. Although the literature on motivations for and the experience of taking part in the Games is available, little is known about what role applied practitioners, specifically sport and exercise psychologists could play as transplant recipients prepare and compete. This paper offers perspectives on the provision of a sports performance well-being service delivered at the British Transplant Games. The paper consists of several sections. The first offers background and how the service came into being. The second provides details of the model and philosophy that underpinned the service delivery. The third includes the trainee and exercise practitioner's casework and the challenges therein. Informed by the team's reflections and post-games survey the final section proposes recommendations for future applied sport and exercise services at this unique event.

Elements of Post-Transplant Recovery in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Scoping Review

To clarify and refine the specific elements of post-transplant recovery in lung transplant recipients, we explored the four dimensions of recovery: physiological, psychological, social, and habitual. This study is a scoping review. Two authors conducted a comprehensive electronic literature search to identify studies published from the establishment of the database to August 2022. Deductive coding was utilized to identify and categorize elements using a predefined list of the four components (physiological, psychological, social, and habitual recovery) based on the framework of post-transplant recovery proposed by Lundmark et al. Inductive coding was applied for concepts requiring further classification. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. Systematic searching identified 8,616 potential records, of which 51 studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten subdimensions and their corresponding elements were identified and categorized into four dimensions of recovery following lung transplantation. The subdimensions included physiological recovery (including symptom experience, complications, physical function, and energy reserve), psychological recovery (encompassing affective distress, psychological adaptation, and transition from illness to health), social recovery (involving family adaptation and social adaptation), and habit recovery (focusing on health behavior).

Rehabilitative goals for patients undergoing lung retransplantation

Lung retransplantation (LRT) involves a second or subsequent lung transplant (LT) in a patient whose first transplanted graft has failed. LRT is the only treatment option for irreversible lung allograft failure caused by acute graft failure, chronic lung allograft dysfunction, or postoperative complications of bronchial anastomosis. Prehabilitation (rehabilitation before LT), while patients are on the waiting list, is recognized as an essential component of the therapeutic regimen and should be offered throughout the waiting period from the moment of listing until transplantation. LRT is particularly fraught with challenges, and prehabilitation to reduce frailty is one of the few opportunities to address modifiable risk factors (such as functional and motor impairments) in a patient population in which there is clearly room to improve outcomes. Although rehabilitative outcomes and quality of life in patients receiving or awaiting LT have gained increased interest, there is a paucity of data on rehabilitation in patients undergoing LRT. Frailty is one of the few modifiable risk factors of retransplantation that is potentially preventable. As such, it is imperative that professionals involved in the field of retransplantation conduct research specifically exploring rehabilitative techniques and outcomes of value for patients receiving LRT, because this area remains unexplored.

The Association between Objectively Measured Physical Activity and the Prevalence of Comorbidities in Lung Transplant Recipients

INTRODUCTION

Lung transplant recipients are often physically inactive and are at risk of developing comorbidities. We investigated whether objectively measured physical activity was associated with the prevalence of comorbidities.

METHODS

Physical activity (accelerometry) and the presence of cardiovascular disease, symptoms of depression and anxiety, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, lower extremity artery disease, muscle weakness, obesity, and osteoporosis were assessed in 108 lung transplant recipients. Patients were divided into four groups based on daily step count.

RESULTS

A cohort of 108 patients (60 ± 7 years, 51% male, 20 ± 14 months since transplantation) was included. Active patients (>7,500 steps/day) had significantly fewer comorbidities (4 comorbidities) compared to severely inactive patients (<2,500 steps/day, 6 comorbidities), and muscle weakness and high symptoms of depression were less prevalent. Severely inactive patients had significantly more cardiovascular comorbidities compared to all other groups. No other significant differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

Physically active lung transplant recipients have fewer comorbidities, lower prevalence of muscle weakness, and fewer symptoms of depression compared to very inactive patients.

[Efficacy of Physiotherapy Interventions on the Respiratory Musculature Through Respiratory Training Techniques in Post-operative Lung Transplant Recipients: Systematic Review]

Introduction

Respiratory muscles are a limiter of exercise capacity in lung transplant patients. It is necessary to know the effectiveness of specific respiratory muscle training techniques carried out in the management of adult lung transplant patients in the postoperative period.

Methodology

A systematic review of clinical trials was carried out, which included adult lung transplant patients undergoing post-transplant respiratory training. A search was carried out in the databases PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library between January 2012 and September 2023, using the terms: "breathing exercise", "respiratory muscle training", "inspiratory muscle training", "respiratory exercise", "pulmonary rehabilitation", "lung rehabilitation"; in combination with "lung transplantation", "lung transplant", "posttransplant lung". No language limit.

Results

Eleven trials were included with a total of 639 patients analyzed. Most training programs begin upon hospital discharge (more than one month post-transplant), few do so early (Intensive Care Unit). The duration varies from 1-12 months post-transplant. The interventions were based on aerobic training and peripheral muscle strength. Some of them included breathing exercises and chest expansions. The most used outcome variable was submaximal exercise capacity measured with the 6-minute walk test.

Conclusions

Training the respiratory muscles of the adult transplant patient favors the improvement of exercise capacity and quality of life. Aerobic training, as well as strength training of the rest of the peripheral muscles, contribute to the improvement of respiratory muscles.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of exercise intervention in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is uncertainty about the beneficial effects of exercise intervention for kidney transplant recipients. The purpose of our meta-analysis is to estimate the efficacy of exercise intervention in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

A database search according to the PICOS framework was performed for all published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) about exercise intervention for kidney transplant recipients. The databases involved include PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

A total of 16 RCTs (involving 827 patients) in compliance with inclusion criteria were included in our study. The results demonstrated that adequate exercise intervention improved statistically in creatinine clearance [mean difference (MD) =  - 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.46 to - 0.11, p = 0.001], serum urea (MD = - 21.57, 95% CI - 35.84 to - 7.29, p = 0.003), VO2 peak (MD = 3.20, 95% CI 1.97-4.43, p < 0.00001), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD = 0.21, 95% CI 0.04-0.37, p = 0.01), 60-s sit to stand test (60-STS) (MD = 14.47, 95% CI 8.89-20.04, p < 0.00001), 6-min walk distance (6-MWD) (MD = 91.87, 95% CI 38.34-145.39, p = 0.0008), and 6-min walk test (6-MWT) (MD = 44.08, 95% CI 20.30-67.87, p = 0.0003) of patients after kidney transplantation. No between-groups differences (p > 0.05) were observed for anthropometric characteristics, body composition, serum cytokine levels, and quality of life short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36).

CONCLUSIONS

In kidney transplant recipients, appropriate exercise intervention improved renal function, cardiopulmonary function, physical performance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022357574.

Reproducibility of the 6-minute walk test in lung transplant recipients

PURPOSE

There is reason to believe that the favorable measurement properties of the 6‑minute walk test (6MWT) reported for retest reliability and its capability to detect a true change in healthy individuals or persons with chronic respiratory disease may not apply to lung transplant recipients (LuTXr). We therefore investigated retest reliability of the 6MWT and, in addition, made an attempt to explore whether the 6MWT was sensitive enough to detect important changes that occur with postacute rehabilitation in LuTXr after first time LuTX.

METHODS

Immediately before postacute rehabilitation, 50 LuTXr completed 6MWT testing twice, separated by 1-2 workdays (retest reliability), and were reassessed after completion of rehabilitation 2 months later (sensitivity to changes). Body function measures and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments were collected at baseline.

RESULTS

Baseline retest 6‑minute walk distance (6MWD) and the age-related predicted walking distance (6MWD%pred) scores significantly increased before postacute rehabilitation. The intraclass coefficient of correlation ICC of the 6MWD was 0.93 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.88-0.96) and its smallest real difference (SRD) 79 m (95% CI: 52;107). Receiver operating curve analyses revealed the rehabilitation associated changes in 6MWD/6MWD%pred to exceed the SRD/SRD% values in a highly accurate way.

CONCLUSION

The 6MWT overall represents a reliable functional performance tool in LuTXr that is sensitive to detect changes in physical performance as a result of medical postacute rehabilitation.

Radiomics of spinal muscles: toward a radiological biomarker for allograft rejection in lung transplant

PURPOSE

To assess the role of muscle composition and radiomics in predicting allograft rejection in lung transplant.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The last available HRCT before surgery of lung transplant candidates referring to our tertiary center from January 2010 to February 2020 was retrospectively examined. Only scans with B30 kernel reconstructions and 1 mm slice thickness were included. One radiologist segmented the spinal muscles of each patient at the level of the 11th dorsal vertebra by an open-source software. The same software was used to extract Hu values and 72 radiomic features of first and second order. Factor analysis was applied to select highly correlating features and then their prognostic value for allograft rejection was investigated by logistic regression analysis (level of significance p < 0.05). In case of significant results, the diagnostic value of the model was computed by ROC curves.

RESULTS

Overall 200 patients had a HRCT prior to the transplant but only 97 matched the inclusion criteria (29 women; mean age 50.4 ± 13 years old). Twenty-one patients showed allograft rejection. The following features were selected by the factor analysis: cluster prominence, Imc2, gray level non-uniformity normalized, median, kurtosis, gray level non-uniformity, and inverse variance. The radiomic-based model including also Hu demonstrated that only the feature Imc2 acts as a predictor of allograft rejection (p = 0.021). The model showed 76.6% accuracy and the Imc2 value of 0.19 demonstrated 81% sensitivity and 64.5% specificity in predicting lung transplant rejection.

CONCLUSION

The radiomic feature Imc2 demonstrated to be a predictor of allograft rejection in lung transplant.

Handgrip Strength in Lung Transplant Candidates and Recipients

OBJECTIVES

Handgrip strength is increasingly used to assess muscle strength in various conditions. In this review, we investigated handgrip strength in patients receiving or awaiting lung transplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this integrative review, we searched 8 databases from inception through February 2023. Two keyword entries, "handgrip strength" and "lung transplantation," were matched using the Boolean operator, AND. No filters were applied for document type, age, sex, publication date, language, and subject.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The searched databases returned 73 citations. Nine articles considering 487 patients (49% female) were included in the final analysis; 7 studies were observational, and 2 were randomized controlled trials. In 7 of 9 studies, handgrip strength was measured with a hydraulic dynamometer. In candidates for lung transplant, handgrip strength ranged from 27.1 kg (before rehabilitation) to 31.2 kg (after rehabilitation). In lung transplant recipients, handgrip strength ranged from 21.1 kg (before rehabilitation) to 35.7 kg (after rehabilitation). Handgrip strength in lung transplant candidates with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was higher (89 ± 18% predicted) versus patients with interstitial lung disease (79 ± 18% predicted). Improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure were observed in those patients whose handgrip strength improved after rehabilitation. Nonsarcopenic patients walked longer distances for the 6-minute walking test (>450 m) versus sarcopenic patients (<310 m) and had higher handgrip strength (>20 kg) versus sarcopenic patients (<20 kg). Handgrip strength testing should be implemented both in preoperative and postoperative contexts to evaluate physical potential of patients and drive rehabilitative activities toward the most impaired domains.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and physical interventions

Pulmonary rehabilitation has established a status of evidence-based therapy for patients with symptomatic COPD in the stable phase and after acute exacerbations. Rehabilitation should have the possibility of including different disciplines and be offered in several formats and lines of healthcare. This review focusses on the cornerstone intervention, exercise training, and how training interventions can be adapted to the limitations of patients. These adaptations may lead to altered cardiovascular or muscular training effects and/or may improve movement efficiency. Optimising pharmacotherapy (not the focus of this review) and oxygen supplements, whole-body low- and high-intensity training or interval training, and resistance (or neuromuscular electrical stimulation) training are important training modalities for these patients in order to accommodate cardiovascular and ventilatory impairments. Inspiratory muscle training and whole-body vibration may also be worthwhile interventions in selected patients. Patients with stable but symptomatic COPD, those who have suffered exacerbations and patients waiting for or who have received lung volume reduction or lung transplantation are good candidates. The future surely holds promise to further personalise exercise training interventions and to tailor the format of rehabilitation to the individual patient's needs and preferences.

Design of Lung Transplant Go (LTGO): A randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a telerehabilitation behavioral exercise intervention to improve physical activity, physical function, and blood pressure control after lung transplantation

Background

Lung transplantation is an established treatment option for persons with advanced lung disease. After transplantation, lung function typically returns to near normal levels, however exercise capacity remains low due to chronic deconditioning, limited physical function, and inactive lifestyles which undermine the intended benefits of the highly selective, resource-intensive transplant procedure. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended to improve fitness and activity tolerance, however due to multiple barriers, lung transplant recipients either never participate, or fail to complete, pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Purpose

To describe the design of Lung Transplant Go (LTGO), a trial modified for the remote environment based on recommendations to preserve trial integrity during COVID. The aims are to evaluate a behavioral exercise intervention to improve physical function, physical activity, and blood pressure control in lung transplant recipients conducted safely and effectively using a telerehabilitation (telerehab) platform, and to explore the role of potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between LTGO and outcomes.

Methods

Single-site, 2-group randomized controlled trial with lung transplant recipients randomized 1:1 to either the LTGO intervention (a 2-phased, supervised, telerehab behavioral exercise program), or to enhanced usual care (activity tracking and monthly newsletters). All study activities, including intervention delivery, recruitment, consenting, assessment, and data collection, will be performed remotely.

Conclusion

If efficacious, this fully scalable and replicable telerehab intervention could be efficiently translated to reach large numbers of lung recipients to improve and sustain self-management of exercise habits by overcoming barriers to participation in existing, in-person pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Early Gait Function After Lung Transplantation in Patients With and Without Pretransplant Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the recovery of gait function, muscle strength, and the achievement of an independent gait after lung transplantation (LT) in patients with and without pretransplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 33 inpatients who underwent bilateral LT and received physical therapy. We assessed the Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC) and Manual Muscle Test (MMT) scores at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months of rehabilitation and the time it took to achieve a FAC score of 3 within 3 months of LT surgery in ECMO and non-ECMO patients.

RESULTS

The FAC and MMT scores were generally improved during the first 3 months after LT. The number of patients who achieved a FAC score of 3 at 3 months did not significantly differ between the ECMO and non-ECMO groups (P = .193). At 1 month, significantly fewer patients had reached a FAC of 3 in the ECMO group than in the non-ECMO group (P = .042). There were no significant differences in the FAC (P = .398) and MMT scores (P = .079) at 3 months between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both groups' gait function and muscle strength were continuously restored 3 months after LT. At 1 month, the gait function was assessed by the FAC score, and the rate to achieve a FAC of 3 was higher in the non-ECMO group than in the ECMO group, but at 3 months, the difference was not significant between the 2 groups.

Lung transplantation outcomes in underweight recipients: A single center experience

Background

Current guidelines recommend a body mass index (BMI) of 16 kg/m² as the minimum threshold for lung transplantation, despite mixed evidence on outcomes in underweight patients. The current study aimed to describe survival outcomes of underweight patients who underwent lung transplantation at a single center.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included adult lung transplant recipients who underwent transplantation for the first time between March 2010 and March 2022 at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and excluded patients with obesity. We defined an underweight status as a BMI <17 kg/m².

Results

Forty-eight of the 202 lung transplant recipients were underweight at the time of surgery. The underweight patients had similar lengths of hospital (p = 0.53) and intensive care unit (p = 0.81) stays compared to other patients. Thirty-three percent of underweight patients had died within 5-year follow-up, compared to 34% of patients who were not underweight. There was no significant difference in mortality risk between underweight patients and patients with normal BMIs in our multivariable Cox regression model (adjusted HR 1.57, 95%CI: 0.77-3.20, p = 0.21). Exploratory analyses revealed that a pre-transplant BMI <13 kg/m² was associated with a trend towards increased 5-year mortality (adjusted HR 4.00, 95%CI: 0.87-18.35, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that patients with BMIs of 13-17 kg/m² may be candidates for lung transplantation. Large multi-center cohort studies are needed to confirm the lower BMI limit for safely transplanting patients.

Lung Transplant Rehabilitation-A Review

BACKGROUND

Both lung transplant recipients and candidates are characterised by reduced training capacity and low average quality of life (QoL). This review investigates the impact of training on exercise ability and QoL in patients before and after lung transplant.

METHODS

Searches were conducted from the beginning to 7 March 2022 using the terms "exercise," "rehabilitation," "lung transplant," "exercise ability," "survival," "quality of life" and "telerehabilitation" in six databases, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were studies evaluating the effects of an exercise training programme concurrent with lung transplantation as well as patients and candidates (>18 years old) through any lung diseases. The term "lung transplant rehabilitation" was used to refer to all carefully thought-out physical activities with the ultimate or intermediate objective of improving or maintaining physical health.

RESULTS

Out of 1422 articles, 10 clinical- and 3 telerehabilitation studies, candidates (n = 420) and recipients (n = 116) were related to the criteria and included in this review. The main outcome significantly improved in all studies. The 6-min walk distance, maximum exercise capacity, peak oxygen uptake, or endurance for constant load rate cycling improved measuring physical activity [aerobic exercises, breathing training, and aerobic and inspiratory muscle training sessions (IMT)]. Overall scores for dyspnoea improved after exercise training. Furthermore, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) also improved after aerobic exercise training, which was performed unsupervised or accompanied by breathing sessions. Aerobic training alone rather than combined with inspiratory muscle- (IMT) or breathing training enhanced exercise capacity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, rehabilitation programmes seem to be beneficial to patients both preceding and following lung transplantation. More studies are required to determine the best training settings in terms of time scale, frequency, and work intensity in terms of improving exercise ability, dyspnoea, and HRQOL.

Exercise Progression Protocol for Lung Transplant GO: A Multicomponent Telerehab Exercise Intervention for Patients After Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is one of the fastest growing solid organ transplant procedures in the United States. After transplantation, lung function typically returns to near normal levels; however, reduced physical function and an inactive lifestyle compromise this benefit. To promote rehabilitation goals, lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are advised to participate in pulmonary rehab, but participation is low due to barriers related to scheduling, travel requirements, lack of insurance coverage, and the concern about exposure to infection. Telerehabilitation offers a flexible alternative with the potential to promote self-management of exercise in LTRs. The purpose of this report was to describe the exercise progression protocol for the Lung Transplant GO multicomponent telerehab exercise intervention for patients after lung transplantation. The progression protocol is an evidence-informed exercise protocol designed to improve physical function and physical activity in LTRs safely and effectively in a remote environment. The protocol standardizes the prescription of exercise while permitting adaptation of the program to meet the needs of the individual. Using this model, the decisions about program progression are systematic, transparent, and replicable to other LTRs.

Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity behavioural modification tele-coaching intervention in lung transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in pulmonary function following lung transplantation (LTx), physical activity levels remain significantly lower than the general population. To date, there is little research investigating interventions to improve daily physical activity in LTx recipients. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, 12-weeks physical activity tele-coaching (TC) intervention in LTx recipients.

METHODS

Lung transplant recipients within 2 months of hospital discharge were recruited and randomised (1:1) to TC or usual care (UC). TC consists of a pedometer and smartphone app, allowing transmission of activity data to a platform that provides feedback, activity goals, education, and contact with the researcher as required. Recruitment and retention, occurrence of adverse events, intervention acceptability and usage were used to assess feasibility.

RESULTS

Key criteria for progressing to a larger study were met. Of the 15 patients eligible, 14 were recruited and randomised to TC or UC and 12 completed (67% male; mean ± SD age; 58 ± 7 years; COPD n = 4, ILD n = 6, CF n = 1, PH n = 1): TC (n = 7) and UC (n = 5). TC was well accepted by patients, with 86% indicating that they enjoyed taking part. Usage of the pedometer was excellent, with all patients wearing it for over 90% of days and rating the pedometer and telephone contact as the most vital aspects. There were no adverse events related to the intervention. After 12 weeks, only TC displayed improvements in accelerometry steps/day (by 3475 ± 3422; p = .036) and movement intensity (by 153 ± 166 VMU; p = .019), whereas both TC and UC groups exhibited clinically important changes in physical SF-36 scores (by 11 ± 14 and 7 ± 9 points, respectively).

CONCLUSION

TC appears to be a feasible, safe, and well-accepted intervention in LTx.

Patient-reported outcomes evaluation and assessment of facilitators and barriers to physical activity in the Transplantoux aerobic exercise intervention

Background

Transplantoux’s MVT exercise intervention prepares organ transplant recipients to cycle or hike up France’s Mont Ventoux. We aimed to assess (i) MVT’s effects on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and (ii) perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity.

Methods

Using a hybrid design, a convenience sample of transplant recipients participating in MVT (n = 47 cycling (TxCYC); n = 18 hiking (TxHIK)), matched control transplant recipients (TxCON, n = 213), and healthy MVT participants (HCON, n = 91) completed surveys to assess physical activity (IPAQ), health-related quality of life (HRQOL; SF-36 and EuroQol VAS), mental health (GHQ-12), and depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) at baseline, then after 3, 6 (Mont Ventoux climb), 9, and 12 months. TxCYC and TxHIK participated in a 6-month intervention of individualized home-based cycling/hiking exercise and a series of supervised group training sessions. Barriers and facilitators to physical activity (Barriers and Motivators Questionnaire) were measured at 12 months.

Results

Regarding PROs, except for reducing TxHIK stress levels, MVT induced no substantial intervention effects. For both TxCYC and TxHIK, between-group comparisons at baseline showed that physical activity, HRQOL, mental health, depressive symptomatology and stress were similar to those of HCON. In contrast, compared to TxCYC, TxHIK, and HCON, physical activity, HRQOL and mental health were lower in TxCON. TxCON also reported greater barriers, lower facilitators, and different priority rankings concerning physical activity barriers and facilitators.

Conclusion

Barely any of the PROs assessed in the present study responded to Transplantoux’s MVT exercise intervention. TxCON reported distinct and unfavorable profiles regarding PROs and barriers and facilitators to physical activity. These findings can assist tailored physical activity intervention development.

Trial registration

Clinical trial notation: The study was approved by the University Hospitals Leuven’s Institutional Review Board (B322201523602).

Occupational therapy in pulmonary rehabilitation programs: A scoping review

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary intervention forming the cornerstone of chronic respiratory disease management, improving individuals' exercise capacities and abilities to complete activities of daily living (ADLs). Although the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice focuses on similar outcomes as PR, the tasks/roles and benefit of including OT in PR has not been reviewed. This scoping review synthesized the i) tasks/roles, ii) recommendations of guidelines, iii) prevalence and iv) effects of OT as part of PR programs. Searching of four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane), OT association websites, and hand searching was performed, and 51 records were included. The OT tasks/roles most reported include teaching energy conservation techniques (n = 23), addressing ADLs (n = 17), and assisting with breathlessness management (n = 10). Using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement these tasks/roles were grouped into person (n = 16 unique tasks/roles), occupation (n = 6 tasks/roles), environment (n = 5 tasks/roles), and other (n = 3 tasks/roles) domains and were endorsed by two available practice guidelines addressing OT in PR programs. From 13 PR surveys across four continents, 17-92% of PR programs included OT. Inclusion of OT in PR resulted in positive effects on ADLs, pulmonary function, dyspnea, quality of life, and mortality. Although an increasing number of PR programs include occupational therapists in their multidisciplinary teams, there is a paucity of original studies and guidelines reporting on the tasks/roles and benefits of OT in PR. Further research is needed to clearly define the tasks/roles of OT in multidisciplinary PR teams and contributions to enhancing patient outcomes.

Impact of inspiratory muscle strength on exercise capacity after lung transplantation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Though inspiratory muscle strength is essential for patients with respiratory disease, it is unclear whether the recovery of inspiratory muscle strength contributes to an exemplary achievement of exercise tolerance after lung transplantation (LTx). We aimed to elucidate the inspiratory muscle strength affects the recovery of exercise capacity after LTx.

METHODS

Recipients who underwent LTx between June 2017 and September 2018 were enrolled, and 6-min walking distance (6MWD), quadriceps force, inspiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP]), and spirometry were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after LTx. The relationships between inspiratory muscle strength and changes in physical performance were analyzed.

RESULTS

Nineteen recipients (mean age: 44.8 years, male: 32%) who completed all follow-ups were analyzed. At 3 months after LTx, mean MIP (88.4% predicted) and vital capacity (60.9% predicted), quadriceps force (QF; 2.1 N*m/kg), and 6MWD (504 m) were lower than normal values. After LTx, 6MWD significantly improved up to 12 months. From 3 to 6 months after LTx, changes in MIP were significantly associated with increases in 6MWD by univariate (r = 0.55, p = 0.02) and multivariate (β = 0.59, p = 0.01) regression analyses, whereas changes of QF in place of MIP were significantly associated with the recoveries of 6MWD from 6 to 12 months.

DISCUSSION

Improvements in MIP may impact the recovery of exercise capacity in the early phase after LTx. Factors that determine the improvement in exercise capacity following LTx may vary with postoperative time.

Feasibility of a Home-Based Exercise Program for Managing Posttransplant Metabolic Syndrome in Lung and Liver Transplant Recipients: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Posttransplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS) is a common contributor to morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients in the late posttransplant period (≥1 year). Patients diagnosed with PTMS are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and frequently experience decreased physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Studies in the early posttransplant period (<1 year) have shown the benefits of facility-based exercise training on physical function and HRQL, but have not evaluated the effects on metabolic risk factors. It remains unclear whether home-based exercise programs are feasible and can be delivered at a sufficient exercise dose to have effects on PTMS. This protocol outlines the methodology of a randomized controlled trial of a partly supervised home-based exercise program in lung transplant (LTx) and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility (ie, recruitment rate, program adherence, attrition, safety, and participant satisfaction) of a 12-week individualized, home-based aerobic and resistance training program in LTx and OLT recipients initiated 12 to 18 months after transplantation, and to assess estimates of intervention efficacy on metabolic risk factors, exercise self-efficacy, and HRQL.

Methods

In total, 20 LTx and 20 OLT recipients with ≥2 cardiometabolic risk factors at 12 to 18 months after transplantation will be randomized to an intervention (home-based exercise training) or control group. The intervention group will receive an individualized exercise prescription comprising aerobic and resistance training, 3 to 5 times a week for 12 weeks. Participants will meet on a weekly basis (via videoconference) with a qualified exercise professional who will supervise exercise progression, provide support, and support exercise self-efficacy. Participants in both study groups will receive a counseling session on healthy eating with a dietitian at the beginning of the intervention. For the primary aim, feasibility will be assessed through recruitment rate, program adherence, satisfaction, attrition, and safety parameters. Secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline and 12 weeks, including assessments of metabolic risk factors (ie, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol), HRQL, and exercise self-efficacy. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize program feasibility and effect estimates (means and 95% CIs) for sample size calculations in future trials.

Results

Enrollment started in July 2021. It is estimated that the study period will be 18 months, with data collection to be completed by December 2022.

Conclusions

A partly supervised home-based, individually tailored exercise program that promotes aerobic and resistance training and exercise self-efficacy may be an important intervention for improving the metabolic profile of LTx and OLT recipients with cardiometabolic risk factors. Thus, characterizing the feasibility and effect estimates of home-based exercise constitutes the first step in developing future clinical trials designed to reduce the high morbidity associated with PTMS.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04965142; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04965142

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/35700

Post-operative, inpatient rehabilitation after lung transplant evaluation (PIRATE): A feasibility randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative rehabilitation is crucial following lung transplantation (LTx); however, it is unclear whether intensive rehabilitation is feasible to deliver in the acute setting. We aimed to establish the feasibility and safety of intensive acute physiotherapy post-LTx.

METHODS

This feasibility trial randomized 40 adults following bilateral sequential LTx to either standard (once-daily) or intensive (twice-daily) physiotherapy. Primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment and delivery of intensive intervention) and safety. Secondary outcomes included six-minute walk test; 60-second sit-to-stand; grip strength; physical activity; pain; EQ-5D-5L; length of stay; and readmissions. Data were collected at baseline, week 3, and week 10 post-LTx. ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03095859.

RESULTS

Of 83 LTx completed during the trial, 49% were eligible and 48% provided consent. Median age was 61 years {range 18-70}; waitlist time 85 days [IQR 35-187]. Median time to first mobilization was 2 days [2-3]. Both groups received a median of 10 [7-14] standard interventions post-randomization. A median of 9 [6-18] individual intensive interventions were attempted (86% successful), the most common barrier being medical procedures/investigations (67%). No intervention-related adverse events or between-group differences in secondary outcomes were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute, intensive physiotherapy was feasible and safe post-LTx. This trial provides data to underpin definitive trials to establish efficacy.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Chronic respiratory diseases are highly prevalent and compromise an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and participate in meaningful life roles. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-established intervention aimed at restoring an individual's exercise capacity and improving their ability to complete their ADLs. Occupational therapists help individuals engage in meaningful "occupations," improving their health and well-being. Given the concordance in the aims of PR and the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice, occupational therapists appear to be well suited as key players in PR programs. However, the benefits of adding OT to PR programs have been sparsely reported in the literature and the role of OT in PR has never been synthesized or reported in national and international guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to explore the role of OT in PR programs, the current guideline recommendations for the inclusion of OT in PR programs, the estimated prevalence of OT in PR programs, and the reported or anticipated effects of OT interventions in PR programs.

METHODS

The review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search will be undertaken in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (EBSCO) to identify and retrieve relevant literature published in English, French, or Portuguese. Gray literature on international OT association websites will also be identified, including position statements and guidelines relevant to PR programs. All literature published since the establishment of the effectiveness of PR for chronic respiratory disease in 1994 that explores OT in PR programs for these patients will be included. Search results will be exported to Covidence for title, abstract, and full-text screening by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a pilot-tested template including the following: the number of PR programs including OT (specifically from surveys), the purpose of the study, the study design, patient characteristics, respiratory conditions included, PR components, OT role, outcomes, and results. Findings will be presented using a narrative summary, supplemented by figures and/or tables. Key themes will be displayed in an infographic or schematic.

RESULTS

The study was initiated in January 2021 and registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) in February 2021, prior to title and abstract screening. Data collection and analysis and drafting of the manuscript will occur throughout 2021, with expected publication in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this scoping review will help health care professionals improve patient care by broadening their understanding and awareness of the role of OT in PR programs. This role clarification may help to inform program development and clinical decision making and will serve to optimize the delivery of multidisciplinary care for patients in PR programs, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

OSF Registries ZH63W; https://osf.io/zh63w.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/30244.

Exercise training for adult lung transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary transplantation is the final treatment option for people with end-stage respiratory diseases. Evidence suggests that exercise training may contribute to speeding up physical recovery in adults undergoing lung transplantation, helping to minimize or resolve impairments due to physical inactivity in both the pre- and post-transplant stages. However, there is a lack of detailed guidelines on how exercise training should be carried out in this specific sub-population.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and safety of exercise training in adult patients who have undergone lung transplantation, measuring the maximal and functional exercise capacity; health-related quality of life; adverse events; patient readmission; pulmonary function; muscular strength; pathological bone fractures; return to normal activities and death.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register up to 6 October 2020 using relevant search terms for this review. Studies in the CKTR are identified through CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE searches, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included comparing exercise training with usual care or no exercise training, or with another exercise training program in terms of dosage, modality, program length, or use of supporting exercise devices. The study population comprised of participants older than 18 years who underwent lung transplantation independent of their underlying respiratory pathology.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently reviewed all records identified by the search strategy and selected studies that met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. In the first instance, the disagreements were resolved by consensus, and if this was not possible the decision was taken by a third reviewer. The same reviewers independently extracted outcome data from included studies and assessed risk of bias. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight RCTs (438 participants) were included in this review. The median sample size was 60 participants with a range from 16 to 83 participants. The mean age of participants was 54.9 years and 51.9% of the participants were male. The median duration of the exercise training programs for the groups undergoing the intervention was 13 weeks, and the median duration of training in the active control groups was four weeks. Overall the risk of bias was considered to be high, mainly due to the inability to blind the study participants and the selective reporting of the results. Due to small number of studies included in this review, and the heterogeneity of the intervention and outcomes, we did not obtain a summary estimate of the results. Two studies comparing resistance exercise training with no exercise reported increases in muscle strength and bone mineral density (surrogate outcomes for pathological bone fractures) with exercise training (P > 0.05), but no differences in adverse events. Exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pulmonary function, and death (any cause) were not reported. Three studies compared two different resistant training programs. Two studies comparing squats using a vibration platform (WBVT) compared to squats on the floor reported an improvement in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (28.4 metres, 95% CI 3 to 53.7; P = 0.029; and 28.3 metres, 95% CI 10.0 to 46.6; P < 0.05) with the WBVT. Supervised upper limb exercise (SULP) program improved 6MWT at 6 months compared to no supervised upper limb exercise (NULP) (SULP group: 561.2 ± 83.6 metres; NULP group: 503.5 ± 115.2 metres; P = 0.01). There were no differences in HRQoL, adverse events, muscular strength, or death (any cause). Pulmonary function and pathological bone fractures were not reported. Two studies comparing multimodal exercise training with no exercise reported improvement in 6MWT at 3 months (P = 0.008) and at 12-months post-transplant (P = 0.002) and muscular strength (quadriceps force (P = 0.001); maximum leg press (P = 0.047)) with multimodal exercise, but no improvement in HRQoL, adverse events, pulmonary function, pathological bone fractures (lumbar T-score), or death (any cause). One study comparing the same multimodal exercise programs given over 7 and 14 weeks reported no differences in 6MWT, HRQoL, adverse events, pulmonary function, muscle strength, or death (any cause). Pathological bone fractures were not reported. According to GRADE criteria, we rated the certainty of the evidence as very low, mainly due to the high risk of bias and serious imprecision.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In adults undergoing lung transplantation the evidence about the effects of exercise training is very uncertain in terms of maximal and functional exercise capacity, HRQoL and safety, due to very imprecise estimates of effects and high risk of bias.

Telerehabilitation for Lung Transplant Candidates and Recipients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Program Evaluation

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift from center-based rehabilitation to telerehabilitation for chronic respiratory disease and lung transplantation due to infection control precautions. Clinical experience with this delivery model on a large scale has not been described.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe usage and satisfaction of providers and lung transplant (LTx) candidates and recipients and functional outcomes following the broad implementation of telerehabilitation with remote patient monitoring during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study was a program evaluation of providers, LTx candidates, and early LTx recipients who used a web-based, remote monitoring app for at least four weeks between March 16 and September 1, 2020, to participate in telerehabilitation. Within-subjects analysis was performed for physical activity, Self-efficacy For Exercise (SEE) scale score, aerobic and resistance exercise volumes, 6-minute walk test results, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) results.

RESULTS

In total, 78 LTx candidates and 33 recipients were included (57 [51%] males, mean age 58 [SD 12] years, 58 [52%] with interstitial lung disease, 34 [31%] with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). A total of 50 (64%) LTx candidates and 17 (51%) LTx recipients entered ≥10 prescribed exercise sessions into the app during the study time frame. In addition, 35/42 (83%) candidates agreed the app helped prepare them for surgery and 18/21 (85%) recipients found the app helpful in their self-recovery. The strongest barrier perceived by physiotherapists delivering the telerehabilitation was patient access to home exercise and monitoring equipment. Between the time of app registration and ≥4 weeks on the waiting list, 26 LTx candidates used a treadmill, with sessions increasing in mean duration (from 16 to 22 minutes, P=.002) but not speed (from 1.7 to 1.75 mph, P=.31). Quadriceps weight (pounds) for leg extension did not change (median 3.5, IQR 2.4-5 versus median 4.3, IQR 3-5; P=.08; n=37). On the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire (RAPA), 57% of LTx candidates scored as active, which improved to 87% (P=.02; n=23). There was a decrease in pretransplant 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) from 346 (SD 84) meters to 307 (SD 85) meters (P=.002; n=45) and no change in the SPPB result (12 [IQR 9.5-12] versus 12 [IQR 10-12]; P=.90; n=42). A total of 9 LTx recipients used a treadmill that increased in speed (from 1.9 to 2.7 mph; P=.003) between hospital discharge and three months posttransplant. Quadriceps weight increased (3 [IQR 0-3] pounds versus 5 [IQR 3.8-6.5] pounds; P<.001; n=15). At three months posttransplant, 76% of LTx recipients scored as active (n=17), with a high total SEE score of 74 (SD 11; n=12). In addition, three months posttransplant, 6MWD was 62% (SD 18%) predicted (n=8).

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to provide telerehabilitation despite challenges around exercise equipment. This early experience will inform the development of a robust and equitable telerehabilitation model beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients

Lung transplantation has become an established therapy for end-stage lung diseases. Early postoperative complications can impact immediate, mid-term, and long-term outcomes. Appropriate management, prevention, and early detection of these early postoperative complications can improve the overall transplant course. In this review, we highlight the incidence, detection, and management of these early postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients.

High-Intensity Training for 6 Months Safely, but Only Temporarily, Improves Exercise Capacity in Selected Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Organ transplantation is a life-saving intervention that improves quality of life of patients with irreversible organ failure. Although exercise training immediately after transplantation has been suggested to be beneficial, such interventions remain rare in stable transplant recipients, whereas effects of high-intensity training (HIT) are even less frequently investigated. Moreover, sustainability of such interventions has not yet been reported. We investigated the effects of a 6-month, cycling-based HIT program on physical performance in long-term stable solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, with follow-up evaluation after 6 months.

METHODS

Forty-two adult, stable, and selected SOT recipients participated in a 6-month individualized home- and group-based HIT program. Exercise capacity (VO₂max), maximal power (Wmax), and body mass index were measured before, at the end, and 6 months after completion of the intervention.

RESULTS

The study comprised 12 heart, 7 lung, 8 liver, and 15 kidney recipients (mean age, 41.4 ± 11.1 years; median time posttransplant, 3.4 [1.7-8.0] years). For 6 months, VO₂max increased in the heart, lung, and kidney groups, Wmax increased in the heart group, and body mass index decreased in the liver group. Six months after the HIT program, the achieved gain in exercise capacity had disappeared in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite voluntary participation selection bias, our observations indicate that HIT is safe and may result in a beneficial effect on physical performance in selected, stable SOT recipients. However, there was no sustained beneficial effect once training stopped. Larger scale and longer term studies are still required to investigate longevity of improvement and overall beneficial effects on clinical outcomes.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: an integrated approach beyond antibiotics

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease (PD) is an emerging condition with heterogeneous manifestations from both the microbiological and the clinical point of view. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are available but there are still unmet patients' and physicians' needs, including therapy-related adverse events, symptom control, management of comorbidities, risk of re-exposure to the pathogen and unfavourable outcomes.

In the present review, we provide currently available evidence for an integrated approach to NTM-PD beyond antibiotic therapy. This includes 1) avoiding exposure to environments where mycobacteria are present and careful evaluation of lifestyle and habits; 2) implementing a personalised pulmonary rehabilitation plan and airway clearance techniques to improve symptoms, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity in daily living activities; 3) a nutritional evaluation and intervention to improve health-related QoL and to control gastrointestinal side-effects during antimicrobial therapy, particularly in those with low body mass index and history of weight loss; and 4) managing comorbidities that affect disease outcomes, including structural lung diseases, immune status evaluation and psychological support when appropriate.

An integrated approach, including risk factor prevention, management of comorbidities, nutritional evaluation and intervention and pulmonary rehabilitation, should be considered in the optimal management of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary diseasehttps://bit.ly/2YEqvQg

The effects of exercise training in adult solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Reduced exercise capacity can predispose solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients to higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and mortality and impact their quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of exercise training (versus no training) in adult SOT recipients. We conducted an electronic search of randomized controlled trials reporting on exercise interventions in SOT recipients. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, quadriceps muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. In 24 studies, there were either high risk of bias or some concerns about the potential risk of bias. There was an increase in exercise capacity (VO₂ peak) (SMD: 0.40; 95%CI 0.22-0.57; P = 0.0) and quadriceps muscle strength (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI 0.16-0.60; P = 0.001) in the exercise vs control groups. There were also improvements in several domains of the SF-36. Diastolic blood pressure improved in the exercise group compared to controls (SMD: -0.22; 95%CI -0.41-0.03; P = 0.02). Despite the considerable variation in exercise training characteristics and high risk of bias in the included studies, exercise training improved maximal exercise capacity, quadriceps muscle strength, HRQoL, and diastolic blood pressure and should be an essential part of the post-transplant care.

Physical function after lung transplantation for late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

Late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications (LONIPCs) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are fatal, and lung transplantation is the only curative treatment. Although lung transplantation for LONIPCs may confer good survival rates, it is unclear whether or how impaired physical functioning is restored. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the long-term course and associated changes in physical functions after lung transplantation in patients with LONIPCs after allo-HSCT.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 15 patients who received lung transplantation for LONIPCs after allo-HSCT between 2012 and 2018. Dyspnea scores, performance status, physical function, and exercise tolerance were assessed before lung transplantation and up to 2 years after transplantation.

RESULTS

Two years after lung transplantation, the dyspnea scores and performance status improved, but did not recover completely. Physical function was assessed using the knee extensor strength (KES) and 6-min walk test (6MWT); the results were poor until 3 months after transplantation but improved over 2 years. The 6MWT distance showed improvement to a nearly healthy level (562.7 m). Recovery of exercise tolerance was associated with recovery in % vital capacity (%VC; r=0.5) and KES (r=0.4) from 3 months to 2 years after lung transplantation. Furthermore, a flat thorax, which is a characteristic of patients with LONIPCs, affected the %VC at 2 years after transplantation (r=0.8).

CONCLUSION

Lung transplantation for LONIPCs may restore impaired physical function. A multifaceted rehabilitation program should be considered, especially to improve muscle weakness and pulmonary function.

Near-normal aerobic capacity in long-term survivors after lung transplantation

The clinical course of lung transplantation (LT) is diverse: some patients present chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and progressive decline in pulmonary function, but others maintain normal spirometric values and active lives.

This is a multicentre study reporting, for the first time, near-normal peak V′_O2 values during cardiopulmonary exercise testing and normal exercise capacity in long-term lung transplant recipients without CLADhttps://bit.ly/35ftce3

Addressing the changing rehabilitation needs of patients undergoing thoracic surgery

The rehabilitation needs of individuals undergoing thoracic surgery are changing, especially as surgical management is increasingly being offered to patients who are at risk of developing functional limitations during and after hospital discharge. In the past rehabilitative management of these patients was frequently limited to specific respiratory physiotherapy interventions in the immediate postoperative setting with the aim to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. In the past two decades, this focus has shifted toward pulmonary rehabilitation interventions that aim to improve functional status of individuals, both in the pre- and (longer-term) postoperative period. While there is increased interest in (p)rehabilitation interventions the majority of thoracic surgery patients are however currently on their own with respect to progression of their exercise and physical activity regimens after they have been discharged from hospital. There are also no formal guidelines supporting the referral of these patients to outpatient rehabilitation programs. The current evidence regarding rehabilitation interventions initiated before, during, and after the hospitalization period will be briefly reviewed with special focus on patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer treatment and patients undergoing lung transplantation. More research will be necessary in the coming years to modify or change clinical rehabilitation practice beyond the acute admission phase in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Tele rehabilitation or web-based activity counseling programs might also be interesting emerging alternatives in the (long-term) postoperative rehabilitative treatment of these patients.

Exercise training for lung transplant candidates and recipients: a systematic review

Exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life (QoL) are characteristic of lung transplant candidates and recipients. This review investigated the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, QoL and clinical outcomes in pre- and post-operative lung transplant patients.A systematic literature search of PubMed, Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane (CENTRAL), Scopus and CINAHL databases was conducted from inception until February, 2020. The inclusion criteria were assessment of the impact of exercise training before or after lung transplantation on exercise capacity, QoL or clinical outcomes.21 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 1488 lung transplant candidates and 1108 recipients. Studies consisted of five RCTs, two quasi-experimental and 14 single-arm cohort or pilot studies. Exercise training improved or at least maintained exercise capacity and QoL before and after lung transplantation. The impact on clinical outcomes was less clear but suggested a survival benefit. The quality of evidence ranged from fair to excellent.Exercise training appears to be beneficial for patients before and after lung transplantation; however, the evidence for direct causation is limited by the lack of controlled trials. Well-designed RCTs are needed, as well as further research into the effect of exercise training on important post-transplant clinical outcomes, such as time to discharge, rejection, infection, survival and re-hospitalisation.

The Efficacy of Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Bilateral Lung Transplantation

PURPOSE

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is advocated in the pre- and post-lung transplantation (LTx) periods. However, there is limited literature on the benefit of PR post-LTx. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an outpatient, multidisciplinary, comprehensive PR program in bilateral LTx recipients in the early period after LTx.

METHOD

Twenty-three LTx recipients were referred to the PR center. Change in incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests, hand and quadriceps strength, respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory/expiratory pressure), dyspnea (Medical Research Council score), quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire), and psychological status (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) were compared pre- and post-PR.

RESULTS

Seventeen of 23 (74%) recipients completed PR, comprising 15 male and 2 female patients whose median age was 51 yr. The initiation of the program was 75 ± 15 d after LTx. The incremental shuttle walk test distance was predicted as 23% before PR and it increased to 36% after PR (P < .001); the endurance shuttle walk test distance also increased (P < .01). Significant improvement was seen in upper and lower extremity strength, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire scores and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale scores reflected less anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, body mass and fat-free mass indices, maximum inspiratory pressure, and maximum expiratory pressure improved significantly. There was no significant change in forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration, forced vital capacity, or Medical Research Council scores.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that patients who attended PR within 3 mo of bilateral LTx showed improvements in exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, body composition, and psychological status.

The Utility of the Sit-to-Stand Test for Inpatients in the Acute Hospital Setting After Lung Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Measurement of physical function is important to guide physical therapy for patients post-lung transplantation (LTx). The Sit-to-Stand (STS) test has proven utility in chronic disease, but psychometric properties post-LTx are unknown. The study aimed to assess reliability, validity, responsiveness, and feasibility of the 60-second STS post-LTx.

METHODS

This was a measurement study in 62 inpatients post-LTx (31 acute postoperative; 31 medical readmissions). Interrater reliability was assessed with 2 STS tests undertaken by different assessors at baseline. Known group validity was assessed by comparing STS repetitions in postoperative and medical groups. Content validity was assessed using comparisons to knee extensor and grip strength, measured with hand-held dynamometry. Criterion validity was assessed by comparison of STS repetitions and 6-minute walk distance postoperatively. Responsiveness was assessed using effect sizes over inpatient admission.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) age was 62 (56-67) years; time post-LTx was 5 (5-7) days postoperative and 696 (244-1849) days for medical readmissions. Interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient type 2,1 = 0.96), with a mean learning effect of 2 repetitions. Repetitions were greater for medical at baseline (mean 18 vs 8). More STS repetitions were associated with greater knee extensor strength (postoperative r = 0.57; medical r = 0.47) and 6-minute walk distance (postoperative r = 0.68). Effect sizes were 0.94 and 0.09, with a floor effect of 23% and 3% at baseline (postoperative/medical) improving to 10% at discharge. Patients incapable of attempting a STS test were excluded, reducing generalizability to critical care. Physical rehabilitation was not standardized, possibly reducing responsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The 60-second STS demonstrated excellent interrater reliability and moderate validity and was responsive to change postoperatively.

IMPACT

The 60-second STS represents a safe, feasible functional performance tool for inpatients post-LTx. Two tests should be completed at each time point.

Evaluation of Malnutrition Risk in Lung Transplant Candidates Using the Nutritional Risk Index

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition in lung transplant (LTx) candidates is an important risk factor for adverse outcomes. We sought to evaluate the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) in LTx candidates, a validated measure of malnutrition risk in chronic disease. We aimed to characterize malnutrition risk using NRI, evaluate change in body weight between nutritional risk groups, and assess association of malnutrition risk with pretransplant and posttransplant outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center cohort study of LTx candidates (2014-2015) evaluated by a dietitian before listing. Nutritional parameters, weight change pretransplant and posttransplant, and clinical outcomes were abstracted up to 1-year posttransplant. NRI was calculated as follows: (1.519 × albumin) + (41.7 × current weight/ideal weight) with high malnutrition risk defined as the lowest quartile of NRI for cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF patients.

RESULTS

The cohort comprises 247 LTx candidates (57% male; median age 59 y; non-CF 88%). Non-CF candidates had a greater mean NRI compared with CF patients (109 ± 11 versus 95 ± 12; P < 0.0001). 86% with high malnutrition risk maintained/gained weight (≥5%) pretransplant. In 196 LTx recipients, malnutrition risk was not associated with hospital stay, discharge disposition, or 1-year mortality. The median percent weight gain for LTx recipients in the first year was 10.5% (4.0-20.1), with high malnutrition risk recipients having comparable or greater weight gain to the low-risk group (mean difference for non CF: 6.8%; P = 0.02 and CF: -3.8%; P = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition risk assessed with NRI was not prognostic of posttransplant outcomes in this retrospective cohort. LTx candidates with high malnutrition risk were able to maintain their weight pretransplant and demonstrated considerable weight gain in the first-year posttransplant.

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

BACKGROUND

Peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) remains low after lung transplantation (LTx). We evaluated the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on VO_2peak, muscular strength, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), pulmonary function, and physical function after LTx.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 54 participants were enrolled from 6 to 60 months after LTx. The HIIT group (n = 25) followed a supervised HIIT program, consisting of endurance and strength trainings 3 times a week for 20 weeks. The control group (n = 29) received usual care. The primary outcome was a change in VO_2peak measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The secondary outcomes were changes in 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for arm press and leg press, HRQOL (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]), pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide), and physical function (1RM in handgrip, 15-sec stair run, and 30-sec chair stand).

RESULTS

A total of 46 participants completed the study, including 23 of 25 in the intervention group. For the primary outcome, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed a non-significant between-group difference for change in VO_2peak of 0.7 ml/(kg.min) (95% CI = ‒0.3, 1.8) (p = 0.17). The between-group differences for 1RM arm press and leg press and mental aspect of SF-36 were 4.9 kg (95% CI = ‒0.1, 9.9) (p = 0.05), 11.6 kg (95% CI = 0.1, 23.0) (p < 0.05), and 5.7 kg (95% CI = 0.9, 10.4) (p = 0.02), respectively. There were no between-group differences in pulmonary function or physical function. When excluding participants with an attendance of <70% (n = 16), the between-group difference for VO_2peak was 1.2 ml/(kg.min) (95% CI = 0.1, 2.4) (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

HIIT improved muscular strength and HRQOL but did not improve VO_2peak more than usual care after LTx. However, with acceptable adherence, HIIT appears to have beneficial effects on VO_2peak.

Remote Therapy to Improve Outcomes in Lung Transplant Recipients: Design of the INSPIRE-III Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Impaired functional capacity and emotional distress are associated with lower quality of life (QoL) and worse clinical outcomes in post lung transplant patients. Strategies to increase physical activity and reduce distress are needed.

METHODS

The Investigational Study of Psychological Interventions in Recipients of Lung Transplant-III study is a single site, parallel group randomized clinical trial in which 150 lung transplant recipients will be randomly assigned to 3 months of telephone-delivered coping skills training combined with aerobic exercise (CSTEX) or to a Standard of Care plus Education control group. The primary endpoints are a global measure of distress and distance walked on the 6-Minute Walk Test. Secondary outcomes include measures of transplant-specific QoL, frailty, health behaviors, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction-free survival.

RESULTS

Participants will be evaluated at baseline, at the conclusion of 3 months of weekly treatment, at 1-year follow-up, and followed annually thereafter for clinical events for up to 4 years (median = 2 y). We also will determine whether functional capacity, distress, and health behaviors (eg, physical activity, medication adherence, and volume of air forcefully exhaled in 1 second (FEV1), mediate the effects of the CSTEX intervention on clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Should the CSTEX intervention result in better outcomes compared with the standard of care plus post-transplant education, the remotely delivered CSTEX intervention can be made available to all lung transplant recipients as a way of enhancing their QoL and improving clinical outcomes.

Adherence is associated with a favorable outcome after lung transplantation

Non-adherence to therapy is associated with impaired outcome in solid organ allograft recipients. Outcome data are limited after lung transplantation. In a single-center cohort study, adherence was assessed in 427 patients undergoing lung transplantation from 2010 to 2013. Objective criteria of adherence were judged by health care workers on every visit on a five item Likert scale including trough level monitoring, home spirometry and contact with an overall rating of adherence between 0 and 100%. Cut-off values for good vs. suboptimal adherence were defined retrospectively. Primary outcome was allograft survival, secondary outcomes were patient survival, prevalence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, hospitalizations, renal function and quality of life. Follow-up ended on 31st December 2018. Median adherence was 86% on 6,623 visits, this cut-off was used as a discriminator between good and suboptimal adherers. Patients with good adherence within the first three years showed better 5-year allograft (74% vs. 60%, p = 0.003) and patient survival (79% vs. 64%, p<0.001) and lower prevalence of chronic allograft dysfunction (33% vs. 45%, p = 0.011) after 5 years compared to patients with suboptimal adherence. A multidimensional adherence score proved to be a simple tool to assess adherence in clinical practice. Suboptimal adherence was associated with impaired outcome in lung transplant patients.

Discharge frailty following lung transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Frailty at listing for lung transplant has been associated with waitlist and post-transplant mortality. Frailty trajectories following transplant, however, have been less well characterized, including whether recipient frailty improves. The objective of this study was to identify prevalence and risk factors for frailty at discharge and to evaluate changes in frail recipients enrolled in an outpatient physical therapy program.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients. Enrollees completed a short physical performance battery (SPPB) to assess frailty at listing and at initial hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Of the 111 enrolled recipients, none were frail at listing and 18 (16.2%) were prefrail. At discharge, however, 60 (54.1%) patients were frail. Discharge frailty was associated with prefrailty at listing, acute kidney injury post-transplant, and longer intensive care unit stay. Among the 35 patients who were frail at discharge and who were enrolled in an outpatient PT program, the median improvement in SPPB was 6 points (IQR = 5-7 points), and 85.7% became not frail over a median of 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Discharge frailty is common following lung transplantation. In most frail patients, an intensive outpatient physical therapy program is associated with improvement in frailty, as assessed by the SPPB.

Exercise as a prescription for patients with various diseases

A growing understanding of the benefits of exercise over the past few decades has prompted researchers to take an interest in the possibilities of exercise therapy. Because each sport has its own set of characteristics and physiological complications that tend to occur during exercise training, the effects and underlying mechanisms of exercise remain unclear. Thus, the first step in probing the effects of exercise on different diseases is the selection of an optimal exercise protocol. This review summarizes the latest exercise prescription treatments for 26 different diseases: musculoskeletal system diseases (low back pain, tendon injury, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and hip fracture), metabolic system diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), cardio-cerebral vascular system diseases (coronary artery disease, stroke, and chronic heart failure), nervous system diseases (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and anxiety disorders), respiratory system diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, and after lung transplantation), urinary system diseases (chronic kidney disease and after kidney transplantation), and cancers (breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer). Each exercise prescription is displayed in a corresponding table. The recommended type, intensity, and frequency of exercise prescriptions are summarized, and the effects of exercise therapy on the prevention and rehabilitation of different diseases are discussed.