Langer D, Gosselink R, Pitta F, Burtin C, Verleden G, Dupont L, Decramer M, Troosters T.
This study set out to objectively measure daily physical activity in lung recipients in a cohort of 22 clinically stable patients with single or bilateral lung grafts. Results were compared with findings from 22 healthy, age- and gender-matched control subjects.
Steps, standing time and moderate-intensity activity of lung recipients were reduced by 42%, 29% and 66%, respectively, relative to controls. Daily sedentary time was increased by 30%. This study confirms that daily activity is substantially reduced after lung transplantation and related to measures of physical fitness and health-related quality of life. Future studies need to examine whether physical activity can be modified to improve functional recovery after lung transplantation.
Journal of Heart Lung transplant 2009; 28: 572 – 578