Home Exercise Training Improves Exercise Capacity in Cirrhosis Patients: Role of Exercise Adherence
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- Calvin Kruger, Margaret L. McNeely, Robert J. Bailey, Milad Yavari, Juan G. Abraldeṣ, Michelle Carbonneau, Kim Newnham, Vanessa Denheyer, Mang Ma, Richard B. Thompson, D. Ian Paterson, Mark J. Haykowsky, Puneeta Tandon
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Year
- 2018
- Citations
- 126
Abstract
Abstract Cirrhosis patients have reduced peak aerobic power (peak VO 2 ) that is associated with reduced survival. Supervised exercise training increases exercise tolerance. The effect of home-based exercise training (HET) in cirrhosis is unknown. The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 8 weeks of HET on peak VO 2 , 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), muscle mass, and quality of life in cirrhosis. Random assignment to 8 weeks of HET (moderate to high intensity cycling exercise, 3 days/week) or usual care. Exercise adherence defined as completing ≥80% training sessions. Paired t-tests and analysis of covariance used for comparisons. Forty patients enrolled: 58% male, mean age 57 y, 70% Child Pugh-A. Between group increases in peak VO 2 (1.7, 95% CI: −0.33 to 3.7 ml/kg/min, p = 0.09) and 6MWD (33.7, 95% CI: 5.1 to 62.4 m, p = 0.02) were greater after HET versus usual care. Improvements even more marked in adherent subjects for peak VO 2 (2.8, 95% CI: 0.5–5.2 mL/kg/min, p = 0.02) and 6MWD (46.4, 95% CI: 12.4–80.5 m, p = 0.009). No adverse events occurred during testing or HET. Eight weeks of HET is a safe and effective intervention to improve exercise capacity in cirrhosis, with maximal benefits occurring in those who complete ≥80% of the program.