title: Feasibility of whole-body vibration as an early inpatient rehabilitation tool after lung transplantation--a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Optimal rehabilitation programs are essential in the early phase after lung transplantation (LTx). Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be a novel approach in rehabilitation that has not yet been investigated in these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients in the early postoperative phase after LTx after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in the study. WBV training was performed until transfer to a rehabilitation center. Six-minute walk distance (6-MWD), pulmonary function, maximal workload, and quality of life (SF-36) were assessed at the beginning and after completion of the training program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients revealed a significant improvement of the 6-MWD, the vital capacity (VC), the maximal workload, and in quality of life. Peak cough flow (PCF), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and parts of the quality of life questionnaire showed no significant changes. No adverse events occurred in these patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  WBV in lung transplant recipients after discharge from ICU is safe and feasible. WBV may effectively support rehabilitation programs improving pulmonary function and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Medical Department I, Cardiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brunner
authors.affiliation: Medical Department I, Cardiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Dorothee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brunner
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Hauke
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Winter
authors.affiliation: Medical Department V, Pneumology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Nikolaus
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kneidinger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D014732:Vibration; D016138:Walking
keywords: lung transplantation; rehabilitation; whole-body vibration