The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
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J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Mar 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialExercise, education, and quality of life in lung transplant candidates.
In addition to improved functional ability, patients who complete rehabilitation programs typically have positive psychologic changes, including increased motivation and an enhanced quality of life. Potentially, patients with end-stage lung disease awaiting a lung transplant can have similar benefits. However, no studies were identified that examined the impact of an exercise program on quality of life in patients awaiting lung transplantation. ⋯ Findings suggest that patients awaiting lung transplantation perceived improved quality of well-being and increased walk distance after participation in a health maintenance program. Education plus exercise conferred no benefits beyond those achieved by education alone. However, the number of subjects studied was small and duration of follow-up was limited.