Physical activity in daily life 1 year after lung transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Reduced physical fitness has been reported to occur after lung transplantation. Pre- and post-transplant factors, including an inactive lifestyle, have been proposed as possible causes. However, daily physical activity has not been objectively assessed so far in lung recipients. The purpose of this study was to objectively measure daily physical activity in lung recipients.


METHODS
Twenty-two clinically stable patients with single (n = 7) and bilateral lung grafts (n = 15) underwent measurements of physical activity with activity monitors at least 12 months after surgery. Results were compared with findings from 22 healthy, age- and gender-matched control subjects.


RESULTS
Substantial and statistically significant differences in daily activity were observed. 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%. Daily steps correlated with self-reported physical functioning (r = 0.81), 6-minute walk distance (r = 0.68), quadriceps force (r = 0.66) and maximum workload (r = 0.63).


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown for the first time 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.
Langer
Daniel
D
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, Leuven, Belgium.
Gosselink
Rik
R
Pitta
Fabio
F
Burtin
Chris
C
Verleden
Geert
G
Dupont
Lieven
L
Decramer
Marc
M
Troosters
Thierry
T
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life