Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy aims to maintain your level of physical activity and overall fitness in the 'waiting time' prior to your transplant.  This will help you in your recovery phase post-operatively.  An individual exercise program, will be designed for you to specifically cater for your needs.  This program includes stretches, various strengthening and aerobic exercises - all carried out in a monitored environment.

The Alfred Hospital Physiotherapy department runs classes three times per week.  The Physiotherapist can otherwise refer you to an exercise program closer to your home.  Other specific problems may also be discussed with the Physiotherapist.  The physiotherapist will discuss post-operative care (chest physiotherapy) and mobility/exercise) with you.

Causes of Exercise Limitation Before Lung Transplantation

Exercise capacity is generally severely limited prior to lung transplantation in people with severe COPD, cystic fibrosis,and other conditions. The inability of the compromised ventilatory and circulatory systems to meet the demands of exercise is the primary factor limiting exercise. Transplant candidates demonstrate reduced capacity to increase minute ventilation, impairments in pulmonary mechanics, and early oxygen desaturation. In addition, peripheral muscle changes in pre-transplant conditions include a reduction in muscle oxidative capacity and muscle weakness, which also play a role in exercise limitation. Furthermore, a reduction in muscle oxidative enzymes impairs the ability to extract oxygen during exercise, which contributes to an early onset of the lactate threshold