Exercise training in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients.

Abstract

Exercise training programs are an integral part of the management of solid organ transplantation (SOT) candidates and recipients. Despite this, they are not widely available and specific guidelines on exercise parameters for each type of organ are not currently provided. A review of this topic could help clinicians to prescribe appropriate exercise regimens for their patients. In this narrative review, we discuss the physical impairments of SOT candidates and recipients and how these affect their physical function and transplant outcomes. We examine recent systematic reviews, statements, and randomized controlled trials on exercise training in SOT candidates and recipients and present the current available evidence while providing some practical recommendations for clinicians based on the frequency, intensity, time, and type principle. While randomized controlled trials of better methodology quality are needed to strengthen the evidence for the effects of exercise training and for the optimal training characteristics, the available evidence points to beneficial effects of many different types of exercise. The current evidence can provide some guidance for clinicians on the prescription of exercise training for transplant candidates and recipients.