A Resistance Training Program on Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Cirrhosis, an advanced stage of hepatic fibrosis, leads to metabolic changes and impaired physical capacity.
• Liver dysfunction significantly impacts patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of a 12-week resistance exercise program on liver cirrhosis patients.
• Assess impacts on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, physical conditioning, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• 38 patients were divided into exercise (EG) and control (CG) groups.
• EG performed two weekly resistance exercise sessions.
• Evaluated inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, body composition, handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory capacity, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• The exercise group showed significant improvements in BMI, handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory capacity, 6-minute walk test, and quality of life.
• No significant differences were observed in inflammatory profile or oxidative stress markers.
• The control group experienced a significant decrease in handgrip strength and cardiorespiratory capacity.

Conclusions:

• Resistance exercise programs can enhance physical fitness and quality of life in liver cirrhosis patients without adverse events.
• This training modality may offer benefits for the inflammatory profile and oxidative stress in this population.