Patient and Caregiver Attitudes and Practices of Exercise in Candidates Listed for Liver Transplantation.

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.

Duke Scholars

Author Matthew Robert Kappus Medicine, Gastroenterology