Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following lung transplantation (LTx) is considered part of the optimal treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for favourable post-operative outcomes. We investigated the effects of a PR intervention in the post-transplant phase with regard to lung function, exercise responses and cognitive function in COPD LTx recipients. Methods: 24 COPD LTx recipients (mean+/-sd forced expiratory volume in 1 s 75+/-22% predicted) were assigned to a comprehensive 3-week inpatient PR programme. Changes from PR admission to discharge in lung function variables, 6-min walk test-derived outcomes and cognitive function were assessed and examined for several factors. The magnitude of changes was interpreted by effect size (ES). Results: In response to the PR intervention, LTx recipients had improved lung function with regard to diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (+4.3%; p=0.012) and static hyperinflation (residual volume/total lung capacity -2.3%; p=0.017), increased exercise capacity (6-min walk test +86 m; p<0.001), and had small to large improvements (ES range 0.23-1.00; all p
Andrianopoulos, V.
Gloeckl, R.
Boensch, M.
Hoster, K.
Schneeberger, T.
Jarosch, I.
Koczulla, R. A.
Kenn, K.
