Effect of Upper limb Rehabilitation compared to No Upper limb Rehabilitation in Lung Transplant Recipients – A Randomized Controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): L.M. Fuller, D. El-Ansary, B.M. Button, M. Corbett, G. Snell, S. Marasco, A.E. Holland
Objectiveto investigate effects of a supervised UL exercise program (SULP) versus no supervised UL exercise program (NULP) after lung transplantation (LTX).DesignRandomized controlled trialSettingPhysiotherapy gymParticipantsPost LTX>18years, N=80InterventionAll participants underwent lower limb strength thrice weekly and endurance training. Participants randomised to supervised upper limb program (SULP) completed progressive UL strength training program using hand weights & adjustable pulley equipment.OutcomesOverall bodily pain rated on visual analogue scale (VAS). Shoulder flexion, abduction strength and HRQOL (SF36) were measured.MeasurementsAt baseline, 6 & 12 weeks & 6 months by blinded assessors.Results80 participants recruited,43 randomized to SULP and 37 to NULP. After 6 weeks of training, SULP(41) participants had less overall bodily pain on VAS than those NULP(36) (mean 2.1cm (SD 1.3) vs 3.8cm (SD1.7), p <0.001) and greater UL strength than NULP participants (peak force 8.4Nm (4.0) versus 6.7Nm (2.8) p = 0.037). At 12 weeks SULP participants had better HRQOL – bodily pain domain (76(17) vs 66(26), p=0.05) but at 6 months there was no difference between groups for any outcome. No serious adverse events reported.ConclusionUL rehabilitation results in short term improvements in pain and muscle strength following LTX, but no longer-term impacts were evident.



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