NCT07417423

Home-Based Exercise Education in Liver Transplant Recipients

The Effect of Brochure- and Video-Based Home Exercise Education on Physical Activity, Fatigue, and Caregiver Burden in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 117 (actual)
• Sponsor: Hasan Kalyoncu University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Liver transplant recipients often experience reduced physical activity levels, fatigue, and increased caregiver burden after transplantation. Structured home-based exercise education may help improve these outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of brochure-based and video-based home exercise education programs on physical activity levels, fatigue, and caregiver burden in liver transplant recipients. Participants are assigned to either a brochure-based exercise education group, a video-based exercise education group, or a control group receiving standard care. The primary objective is to determine whether structured home exercise education improves physical activity and reduces fatigue and caregiver burden compared to standard care.

Detailed description

Regular physical activity is essential for improving functional capacity and quality of life in liver transplant recipients. However, many recipients experience persistent fatigue, decreased physical activity levels, and increased caregiver burden after transplantation. Structured and accessible home-based exercise education may provide a practical approach to support long-term rehabilitation in this population. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two different home-based exercise education methods: brochure-based education and video-based education. Participants receive standardized exercise recommendations designed to promote safe and gradual increases in physical activity. The intervention period includes structured follow-up and guidance to enhance adherence. A control group receives standard post-transplant care without structured exercise education. Outcome measures include physical activity level, fatigue severity, and caregiver burden, assessed at predefined time points during the study period. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of accessible rehabilitation strategies for liver transplant recipients.

Conditions

• Liver Transplantation
• Fatigue
• Physical Inactivity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Home-Based Exercise Education	Home-Based Exercise Education consists of structured guidance designed to promote safe and progressive physical activity in liver transplant recipients. The program includes recommendations regarding exercise type, frequency, duration, and intensity appropriate for the post-transplant period. Education is delivered either through a printed brochure or instructional video materials. The content focuses on aerobic and strengthening exercises that can be performed at home without specialized equipment. Participants are encouraged to follow the prescribed exercise recommendations throughout the study period.
BEHAVIORAL	Brochure-Based Exercise Education (Experimental)	Participants receive structured home-based exercise education delivered through a printed brochure specifically developed for liver transplant recipients. The brochure includes written instructions and illustrations describing aerobic and strengthening exercises, along with recommendations for frequency, duration, intensity, and progression. The material is designed to enable participants to independently perform safe and gradual physical activity at home throughout the study period.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-03
• Primary completion: 2025-09-04
• Completion: 2025-12-08
• First posted: 2026-02-18
• Last updated: 2026-02-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)