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Feasibility of whole‐body vibration as an early inpatient rehabilitation tool after lung transplantation – a pilot study
Author(s) -
Brunner Stefan,
Brunner Dorothee,
Winter Hauke,
Kneidinger Nikolaus
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/ctr.12669
Subject(s) - medicine , rehabilitation , lung transplantation , pulmonary rehabilitation , quality of life (healthcare) , vital capacity , intensive care unit , workload , physical therapy , pulmonary function testing , transplantation , adverse effect , lung , physical medicine and rehabilitation , lung function , intensive care medicine , surgery , nursing , diffusing capacity , computer science , operating system
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. Patients and 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 ( FEV 1), and parts of the quality of life questionnaire showed no significant changes. No adverse events occurred in these patients. Conclusion 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.