1-year physical activity coaching programme in lung transplant recipients: an RCT.

Area of Science:

• Transplantation research
• Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
• Digital health interventions

Background:

• Lung transplant recipients (LTX) often exhibit low physical activity (PA), increasing morbidity and mortality risks.
• There is a critical need for effective interventions to promote PA in this population.
• This study addresses the gap by evaluating a telecoaching program for LTX patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a 1-year telecoaching program on objectively measured physical activity in lung transplant recipients.
• To compare the effectiveness of an intensive telecoaching intervention against a light version.

Main Methods:

• Ninety inactive LTX patients were randomized into light or intensive 1-year telecoaching programs.
• Interventions included step counters, smartphone apps, and coaching calls (intensive group).
• Primary outcome was PA (accelerometer); secondary outcomes included physical function, quality of life, and symptoms, assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year.

Main Results:

• The intensive telecoaching group showed a trend towards increased daily steps and total moving time (walking, stairs, cycling) compared to the light group at 3 months and 1 year.
• Significant reduction in sedentary time was observed in the intensive group at 1 year (p=0.002).
• No significant differences were found in other measured outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions:

• An intensive telecoaching program demonstrates potential for improving physical activity levels in lung transplant recipients.
• This digital health approach offers a promising strategy for enhancing post-transplant recovery and long-term health outcomes.