This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of a telerehabilitation-based exercise program on muscle strength, exercise capacity, fatigue level, and cognitive status in adult liver transplant recipients. Liver transplantation is a major surgical procedure, and patients may experience reduced physical capacity, muscle weakness, and fatigue during recovery. Exercise-based rehabilitation may help improve these outcomes, but access to in-person rehabilitation programs may be limited after discharge. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving routine post-transplant care or an intervention group participating in a supervised telerehabilitation exercise program. The intervention consists of a 12-week program conducted twice weekly via video communication with a physiotherapist. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the program. The study seeks to determine whether a structured, remotely supervised exercise program can improve functional recovery and reduce fatigue in liver transplant patients, potentially offering an accessible rehabilitation option after hospital discharge.
Liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that requires a structured recovery process extending from the pre-transplant period through hospitalization and post-discharge phases. After transplantation, patients frequently experience reduced physical capacity, decreased muscle strength, fatigue, and functional limitations that may negatively affect quality of life and recovery. Early and structured rehabilitation interventions are therefore considered important components of post-transplant care.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
140
Participants in this group received a structured telerehabilitation-based exercise program delivered under real-time supervision by a physiotherapist. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and was conducted twice weekly via video communication. Each session lasted approximately 30-45 minutes and included warm-up exercises, posture and breathing exercises, isometric strengthening exercises for upper and lower extremities, functional exercises such as sit-to-stand, and walking training, followed by cool-down and stretching. Exercise intensity was maintained at a moderate level based on perceived exertion, and progression was applied throughout the program by increasing repetitions and duration to ensure adaptation and safety. Participants were initially instructed face-to-face before discharge and then continued the program remotely after discharge.
Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center
Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye)
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Distance
Change in functional exercise capacity measured by the distance (meters) walked during the 6-minute walk test.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and end of the 12-week intervention period
Fatigue Severity Scale
Change in fatigue severity measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Total scores range from 9 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and end of the 12-week intervention period
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Change in oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter.
Time frame: Baseline and end of 12 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Score
Change in cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.
Time frame: Baseline and end of 12 weeks
Heart Rate
Change in heart rate measured using a pulse oximeter device.
Time frame: Baseline and end of 12 weeks
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