NCT07425314

Effects of The Telerehabilitation-Based Exercise Program in Liver Transplant Patients

Effects of The Telerehabilitation-Based Exercise Program On Muscle Strength, Exercise Capacity and Fatigue Levels in Liver Transplant Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 140 (actual)
• Sponsor: Hasan Kalyoncu University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of a telerehabilitation-based exercise program on muscle strength, exercise capacity, fatigue level, and cognitive status in adult liver transplant recipients. Liver transplantation is a major surgical procedure, and patients may experience reduced physical capacity, muscle weakness, and fatigue during recovery. Exercise-based rehabilitation may help improve these outcomes, but access to in-person rehabilitation programs may be limited after discharge. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving routine post-transplant care or an intervention group participating in a supervised telerehabilitation exercise program. The intervention consists of a 12-week program conducted twice weekly via video communication with a physiotherapist. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the program. The study seeks to determine whether a structured, remotely supervised exercise program can improve functional recovery and reduce fatigue in liver transplant patients, potentially offering an accessible rehabilitation option after hospital discharge.

Detailed description

Liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that requires a structured recovery process extending from the pre-transplant period through hospitalization and post-discharge phases. After transplantation, patients frequently experience reduced physical capacity, decreased muscle strength, fatigue, and functional limitations that may negatively affect quality of life and recovery. Early and structured rehabilitation interventions are therefore considered important components of post-transplant care.

Conditions

• Liver Transplantation
• Postoperative Recovery
• Muscle Weakness
• Functional Capacity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Telerehabilitation Exercise Group	Participants in this group received a structured telerehabilitation-based exercise program delivered under real-time supervision by a physiotherapist. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and was conducted twice weekly via video communication. Each session lasted approximately 30-45 minutes and included warm-up exercises, posture and breathing exercises, isometric strengthening exercises for upper and lower extremities, functional exercises such as sit-to-stand, and walking training, followed by cool-down and stretching. Exercise intensity was maintained at a moderate level based on perceived exertion, and progression was applied throughout the program by increasing repetitions and duration to ensure adaptation and safety. Participants were initially instructed face-to-face before discharge and then continued the program remotely after discharge.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-12
• Primary completion: 2025-09-15
• Completion: 2025-11-28
• First posted: 2026-02-20
• Last updated: 2026-02-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)