Abstract
Objetive: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an exercise programme to increase muscle mass, effort tolerance and quality of life in cirrhotic patients. Patients and methods: Seventeen compensated cirrhotic patients were randomized into either an exercise group (n=8) or a control group (n=9). The programme of moderate exercise was given for 12 weeks. All patients received oral leucine (10 g/day) during the study. Anthropometric measurements, effort tolerance and quality of life were determined at study start and end. We also analysed the safety during the study. Results: In the exercise group thigh circumference increased (p=0.02) and effort tolerance improved (p=0.01) and 2-min step test (p=0.02). Moreover, quality of life improved significantly in this group. In the control group there were no statistically significant changes in any of the studied parameters. We did not observe complications of cirrhosis in either group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that moderate physical exercise in patients with compensated cirrhosis is safe and improves quality of life, effort tolerance and muscle mass.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6-11 |
| Journal | Trauma (Spain) |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
Keywords
- Cirrhosis
- Exercise
- Muscle mass
- Quality of life