Published in:
01-12-2018 | Original Article
Patient and Caregiver Attitudes and Practices of Exercise in Candidates Listed for Liver Transplantation
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 12/2018
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Background
Impaired physical capacity increases peri-liver transplant complications. Patient perceptions regarding exercise prior to transplantation are not known.
Aims
This study aimed to assess patient and caregiver activity levels, perceptions of willingness to exercise, and of provider advice.
Methods
Consecutive patients listed for liver transplant and caregivers presenting for routine outpatient visits were evaluated over a 3-month interval. Anonymous surveys adapted to patients and caregivers addressed the importance and safety of exercise, type and duration of exercise performed, barriers, willingness to wear a monitoring device, and perceived provider recommendations. Responses were logged on a Likert scale from 1 to 5.
Results
Three hundred and sixty-eight responses were received. Most participants perceived exercise as important. Patients exercised three times per week for 30 min. Eighty percent endorsed walking (median response: 2—agree; IQR 1–2). Most did not jog, swim, cycle, or strength train. Fatigue, reported by 70%, was the major barrier (2, IQR 1–3). Over 90% of caregivers endorsed exercise as important (1—strongly agree, IQR 1–2) and encouraged exercise (median response 2, IQR 1–2). Over 60% of patients (median response 2, IQR 1–3) and caregivers (median response 2, IQR 2–3) felt providers encouraged exercise.
Conclusions
Patients and caregivers are willing to exercise to optimize physical fitness prior to liver transplantation.