Effects of Aerobic Training on Exercise Capacity in Patients With Cirrhosis

University of Alberta20 enrolled

Overview

Cirrhosis is associated with a reduction in muscle mass and exercise capacity. This has an impact or morbidity and mortality. Regular aerobic exercise training is a proven effective therapy to improve exercise capacity in healthy and clinical populations. the effect of this training has not yet been evaluated in cirrhosis. The safety of this intervention also requires further study. Using a randomized controlled design, the investigators aim to conduct a pilot study evaluating the safety and efficacy of eight weeks of aerobic exercise training on aerobic capacity.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Cirrhosis

Interventions

Aerobic exerciseBEHAVIORAL

Aerobic exercise for 8 weeks (3 times per week, 30-60 minutes each session)

Usual CareOTHER

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 70 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 and ≤70 years * Cirrhosis * Child Pugh class A or B * If required, primary or secondary variceal prophylaxis in place Exclusion Criteria: * Post-liver transplantation * Hepatocellular carcinoma * Active non-Hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy * Significant cardiac disease - ejection fraction \<60% or known coronary artery disease * Oxygen saturation at rest \<95% * Known myopathy * Hemoglobin (\<100 g/L) * Chronic renal failure on dialysis * Physical impairment making it impossible to ride an exercise bike or treadmill * Orthopedic abnormality preventing exercise training * HIV infection * Patient unwilling to consent to study

Locations (1)

University of Alberta, Mazankowski Heart Institute

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in peak exercise pulmonary oxygen uptake (peak VO2)

Time frame: Baseline (day 1) and Study End (8 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in muscle mass as measured by thigh ultrasound

Time frame: Baseline (day 1) and study end (8 weeks)

Change in Quality of Life - Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire

Time frame: Baseline (day 1) and Study End (8 weeks)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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