Respiratory Strength Training in Heart Transplant Recipients

This study will involve three in-person research evaluations to our lab or in the hospital that will last 45 minutes- 1 hour and will consist of a screening, breathing and cough testing, swallow function testing, and completion of questionnaires. Following the initial research evaluation, individuals will complete daily exercises of active or sham respiratory muscle strength training for several weeks with one telehealth or in-person session per week. The exercises will take 10-15 minutes to complete, and individuals will fill out training logs daily. Prior to transplantation and after completion of the breathing exercises, individuals will undergo a second research evaluation. Then, following surgery, individuals will undergo a third research evaluation and outcomes will be tracked via the electronic health records system.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult (18-90 years old)
• Not pregnant
• Undergoing evaluation or actively waitlisted for heart transplantation at VUMC with a waitlist status of 1-6
• Have a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions (outpatient)
• Be willing to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program.

Exclusion criteria

• Individual <18 years old, >90 years old
• Pregnant
• No access to a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions
• Unwilling or unable to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program.