ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE IN LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pre and early post operative physical therapy on quality of life (QOL) in patients of liver transplantation. Methods and materials: A Single group pre and post experimental study design was conducted in Shifa International Hospital in which 20 patients with cirrhotic liver waiting for transplant participated. Non probability Convenience Sampling technique was used. Data was collected over a period of six months using a standard questionnaire 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)and a General demographic questionnaire which included age, gender, BMI, along with diabetes, hypertension, ECOG level, tidal volume, muscle power, 6 minute walk test(heart rate, SpO2, distance covered, exertion level measurement). Results: The mean ± SD age & Body Mass Index of the participants (N=20) were 47.20 ± 11.49 years and 24.83 ± 2.1 respectively. 6 Minute Walk Test Heart Rate, 6 Minute Walk Test Distance, , ECOG, 6 Minute Walk Test Exertion Level and Muscle power were shown significantly improved throughout the treatment duration (p<0.001). While 6 Minute Walk Test Oxygen Saturation showed significant improvement only in initial two weeks (p=0.01), but at the end of 2nd week and overall improvement was not significant (p≥0.05). The results of the study also showed significant improvement (p<0.001) in all domains of quality of life (SF-36) at the end of study. Conclusion: The study indicated that early pre and post physiotherapy interventions can improve the overall health-related quality of life including the aerobic physical fitness and muscle strength in patients having liver transplantation Keywords: 6 minute walk test, ECOG, Incentive spirometry, Liver transplantation, Muscle power, Physiotherapy, Quality of life.