Is it Possible to Use the Timed Performance Tests in Lung Transplantation Candidates to Determine the Exercise Capacity?

Overview

Lung transplantation candidates will be performed a 3-month hospital-based preoperative exercise training. A 6-minute walk test, a 10-meter walking speed test and a 5-times sit to stand test will be performed to determine the exercise capacity of the patient. The tests will be carried out at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. At each testing session, the tests will be performed sequentially by the same physiotherapist, giving 20 minute rest periods within the same day. It will be analyzed how the test data correlate with each other and how the delta values calculated for each test reflect the rehabilitation outcomes calculated after the exercise program.

Severe exercise intolerance exists in lung transplant candidates. Completion of the test period in the field tests used in determining the exercise capacity of these patients is extremely difficult. The exercise capacity, which is considered as an important criterion in the decision of the lung transplant decision and in the determination of the clinical profile of the patient, necessitates the development of different test methods which are more suitable for the application of the measurement in this patient population. In this study lung transplantation candidates will be performed a 3-month hospital-based preoperative exercise training. A 6-minute walk test, a 10-meter walking speed test and a 5-times sit to stand test will be performed to determine the exercise capacity of the patient. The tests will be carried out at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. At each testing session, the tests will be performed sequentially by the same physiotherapist, giving 20 minute rest periods within the same day. It will be analyzed how the test data correlate with each other and how the delta values calculated for each test reflect the rehabilitation outcomes calculated after the exercise program.