Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Home-based EXercise and motivAtional Program Before and After Liver Transplantation

This study explores whether a home-based exercise programme, supported by motivational coaching, can improve the quality of life for people undergoing a liver transplant. Liver transplant surgery is a major operation, and many patients are already quite unwell before it. Currently, patients receive an advice leaflet, but there isn't much evidence for specific exercise programmes. We believe exercise could help reduce complications and improve recovery. Participants will be split into two groups: one will follow a personalised exercise plan with help from a physiotherapist, and the other will get the standard advice leaflet. We'll compare their quality of life before and after the transplant to see if the exercise programme makes a positive impact.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

269

Start

03 May 2022

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Liver Transplant Surgery

What is this study about?

Having a liver transplant is a life-changing event for many people, especially as severe liver disease can make you feel very weak both physically and mentally. This operation puts a lot of strain on your body. Unfortunately, statistics show that being physically frail before surgery can lead to longer hospital stays and even increase the risk of not surviving the waiting list or the period immediately after the transplant. We know that exercise is incredibly beneficial for many long-term health conditions, but surprisingly, there isn't much solid proof about its benefits for people with liver failure or those recovering from a transplant.

Currently, the standard support for patients awaiting a liver transplant in the NHS is an advice leaflet, which doesn't include a structured exercise programme. This study aims to change that. We want to find out if a special exercise programme, done at home and supported by a health professional, can make a real difference. We'll be looking carefully at how this programme affects your quality of life after surgery, as well as checking your fitness and muscle strength.

The main goal is to see if regular, tailored exercise, alongside motivational support, can help you feel better and recover more effectively after your liver transplant. We also want to understand how the support component encourages people to stick with their exercise programme both before and after their operation.

Key takeaways

A study looking at home exercise and support for liver transplant patients.
Aims to improve quality of life before and after surgery.
Compares an exercise programme with standard advice.
Involves tailored exercise from a physiotherapist.
Takes place over two years across two hospitals.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are currently awaiting a liver transplant at either Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Birmingham (QEUHB) or the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) in London. You must be well enough to attend clinic appointments and not need to stay in hospital at the time you join the study.

However, there are some situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your transplant is considered an emergency, or if you're having more than just a liver transplant (like a combined liver and kidney transplant). Also, if you're getting a liver from a living donor or if this is a repeat transplant, you wouldn't be eligible. If you have severe confusion or breathing difficulties that rely on oxygen, or certain types of liver disease that aren't severe liver failure (like some cancers or cysts without cirrhosis), you also can't take part. Lastly, if you are unable or unwilling to give your consent to join the study, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you listed for a first liver transplant at QEUHB or RFH?
Are you currently an outpatient (not staying in hospital)?
Is your liver transplant not an emergency or part of a multi-organ transplant?
Do you feel you can safely follow an exercise programme?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive a special home exercise and motivational support programme. This will involve regular strength and endurance exercises, tailored to your current fitness level. A physiotherapist will provide support and guidance during your clinic visits and through telephone calls. The other group will receive the standard patient advice leaflet for people awaiting a liver transplant.

The exercise programme, if you're in that group, will start while you're on the transplant waiting list and continue for six months after your liver transplant. During this time, we will measure your quality of life both before and after the study period to see if the exercise programme has made a difference. We are recruiting 266 patients over two years across two hospitals.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as improving your physical fitness and overall quality of life before and after your liver transplant, through a structured and supported exercise programme. However, as with any exercise, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, which the tailored nature of the programme and physiotherapist support aim to minimise. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit (BCTU)
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Royal Free Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a home exercise programme with support can improve the quality of life for people having a liver transplant.

What kind of exercise will I do?

You'll do regular strength and endurance exercises, tailored to your own fitness level, with guidance from a physiotherapist.

How long will the study last if I join?

The study will involve you from when you join on the waiting list until six months after your liver transplant.

Will I have to go to the hospital a lot for this study?

The exercise is home-based, and support from a physiotherapist will be given during clinic visits and by phone, so extra hospital visits just for the study should be minimal.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.