A Home-based Exercise and Physical Activity Intervention After Liver Transplantation: Impact of Exercise Intensity

Launched by UNIVERSITAIRE ZIEKENHUIZEN KU LEUVEN · Mar 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The PHOENIX-Liver study is looking at how different levels of exercise can help people recover after liver transplantation. Researchers want to find out the best intensity of exercise for these patients, so they will divide participants into three groups: low, moderate, and moderate to high intensity. The exercise program will take place at home for six months, but it will be supervised by a trained investigator to ensure safety and effectiveness. Throughout the study, participants will have their physical fitness, heart health, liver function, and body composition checked at the beginning, after three months, and after six months. They will also complete monthly surveys to share how they are feeling and how their quality of life is changing.

To be part of this trial, you must be a new adult liver transplant recipient, about two to three months post-surgery, and have access to a home freezer. There are some conditions that might prevent you from participating, like serious heart or lung issues, current cancer treatment, or not being able to understand Dutch. After the exercise program, there will be an additional 15-month phase where patients can continue a physical activity routine that suits their preferences. Follow-up visits at UZ Leuven will help track progress and health improvements at three and fifteen months after the initial program.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • de novo adult liver transplant recipients with a transplant vintage of two to three months
• • access to a home freezer (± -18°C)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aberrant CPET (abnormal low cardiorespiratory fitness is not considered an exclusion criteria), unstable angina, life-threatening arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension/diabetes, HbA1c ≥ 9%, severe pulmonary disease (FEV1 \< 50%), musculoskeletal disorders not allowing physical training on a cycle ergometer, or any other medical reasons by the physician considered to be a contraindication for moderate or high-intensity physical exercise
• • multi-organ transplantation (exception: combined liver-kidney transplant is considered eligible for participation)
• • ongoing treatment for malignancies
• • unable to understand Dutch
• • no access to smartphone and/or computer with internet access
• • does not willing to except the general conditions of Coachbox. Preparticipation medical screening (cardiopulmonary exercise testing with 12-lead ECG + stratification of cardiovascular risk factors) will be performed by a cardiologist (Dr. Kaatje Goetschalckx at UZ Leuven).