Physical and Cognitive Outcomes After Post-Transplant Physiotherapy in Liver Transplant Recipients

NCT07694245 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2024/116
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 106
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, many recipients continue to experience problems such as reduced physical function, impaired balance, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties even after successful transplantation. Although physiotherapy is commonly provided during the early postoperative period, its long-term benefits are not well understood. This observational cross-sectional study evaluated the long-term physical and cognitive outcomes of adult liver transplant recipients approximately one year after transplantation. A total of 106 participants were included and divided into two groups according to whether they had participated in a routine post-transplant physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. Physical performance, balance, functional exercise capacity, cognitive function, and fatigue were assessed using standardized clinical outcome measures. The study aimed to determine whether participation in a routine physiotherapy program was associated with better long-term functional outcomes after liver transplantation. The findings may help improve long-term rehabilitation strategies and support the integration of physiotherapy into routine multidisciplinary follow-up care for liver transplant recipients.

Conditions

End-Stage Liver Disease; Liver Transplantation (LT)

Keywords

Liver transplantation; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Functional mobility; Cognitive function; Fatigue

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Functional Mobility

  Functional mobility assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. The outcome is recorded as the time required to complete the test, measured in seconds (minimum possible value: 0 seconds; no predefined maximum value). Lower completion times indicate better functional mobility.

  Approximately 1 year after liver transplantation

• Static Balance

  Static balance assessed using the Single-Leg Stance Test. Participants were instructed to stand on their dominant leg for as long as possible while maintaining balance. The duration of single-leg stance was recorded in seconds (minimum possible value: 0 seconds; no predefined maximum value), and the best performance was used for analysis. Longer standing times indicate better static balance.

  Approximately 1 year after liver transplantation

• Cognitive Function

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

  Approximately 1 year after liver transplantation

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Functional Exercise Capacity

  Approximately 1 year after liver transplantation

• Fatigue Severity

  Approximately 1 year after liver transplantation

Study Arms (2)

Routine Physiotherapy Group

Adult liver transplant recipients who completed the routine post-transplant physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. Participants were assessed approximately one year after liver transplantation.

Other: Routine Post-Transplant Physiotherapy

Control Group

Adult liver transplant recipients who did not participate in any postoperative physiotherapy or rehabilitation program and were evaluated approximately one year after transplantation.

Interventions

Routine Post-Transplant Physiotherapy OTHER

Participation in the routine postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation program provided after liver transplantation as part of standard clinical care. The program included breathing exercises, progressive mobilization, muscle strengthening, balance training, gait training, and functional exercises. Participants were not assigned to this intervention by the study protocol; the intervention had been completed before enrollment in this observational study.

Routine Physiotherapy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult liver transplant recipients who underwent liver transplantation at Turgut Özal Medical Center, İnönü University, and were evaluated approximately one year after transplantation. Participants were classified according to whether they had participated in a routine post-transplant physiotherapy and rehabilitation program.

You may qualify if:

• Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years or older.
• At least 1 year since liver transplantation.
• Spontaneous breathing.
• Hemodynamically stable.
• Able to read and write.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• History of a neurological disorder.
• Presence of a neuropsychiatric disorder.
• Orthopedic or rheumatologic conditions that could interfere with the assessments.
• Advanced cardiopulmonary disease.
• Visual or hearing impairment that prevented completion of the assessments. Refusal to participate in the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasan Kalyoncu University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Liver Transplant Institute Hospital, Turgut Özal Medical Center, İnönü University

Malatya, 44280, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

End Stage Liver Disease; Fatigue

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Liver Failure; Hepatic Insufficiency; Liver Diseases; Digestive System Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 3, 2026
• First Posted: July 9, 2026
• Study Start: October 27, 2024
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2026
• Study Completion: June 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

TU (1)