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NCT Number: NCT07425314

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Liver Transplantation Fatigue Functional Capacity Muscle Weakness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Recovery Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center

Malatya, 4400, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years or older
  • Medically stable and cleared for participation in an exercise program
  • Able to communicate and cooperate with the researcher
  • Literate and able to understand instructions
  • No orthopedic or neurological condition that would limit exercise participation
  • Approximately one month post-discharge following liver transplantation
  • Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of medical conditions that contraindicate exercise participation
  • Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that could interfere with the exercise program
  • Cognitive impairment preventing understanding of instructions or participation in assessments
  • Postoperative complications requiring activity restriction
  • Participation in another structured exercise or rehabilitation program during the study period
  • Refusal or inability to provide informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Telerehabilitation Exercise Group

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Distance

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and end of the 12-week intervention period

    Change in functional exercise capacity measured by the distance (meters) walked during the 6-minute walk test.

  2. Fatigue Severity Scale

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and end of the 12-week intervention period

    Change in fatigue severity measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Total scores range from 9 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

    Time frame: Baseline and end of 12 weeks

    Change in oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter.

  2. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Score

    Time frame: Baseline and end of 12 weeks

    Change in cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.

  3. Heart Rate

    Time frame: Baseline and end of 12 weeks

    Change in heart rate measured using a pulse oximeter device.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hasan Kalyoncu University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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