Limongi V, dos Santos DC, da Silva AMO, Ataide EC, Mei MFT, Udo EY, Boin IFSF, Stucchi RSB. Effects of a respiratory physiotherapeutic program in liver transplantation candidates.
Transplant Proc 2015;
46:1775-7. [PMID:
25131034 DOI:
10.1016/j.transproceed.2014.05.044]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Candidates for liver transplantation may have malnutrition, fatigue, loss of muscle mass and function. The combination of these factors leads to overall physical disability and physical inactivity.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a respiratory physiotherapeutic program on liver transplantation candidates.
METHOD
Forty-two patients were evaluated by respiratory muscle strength, surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis and diaphragm, and spirometry. We also applied the SF-36. The patients were divided into two groups: 12 randomly assigned to the control group and 5 in the intervention group. The intervention consisted of an explanatory and illustrative manual to be followed at home with diaphragmatic breathing exercises, diaphragmatic isometric exercise, Threshold IMT, lifting the upper limbs with a bat, and strengthening the abdominals.
RESULTS
Significant difference was found between initial forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75% (P = .042) and final FEF25-75 in the intervention group. The control group had significant difference (P = .036) in the diaphragm RMS between initial time and end time. In conclusion, the control group showed greater electrical activity of the diaphragm after 3 months.
CONCLUSION
The intervention group benefited from the exercise, thus improving the FEF25-75%.
Collapse