Evidence-based prehabilitation and rehabilitation in solid organ transplantation: current insights and clinical...

Rehabilitation before (prehabilitation) and after solid organ transplantation is gaining increasing interest as an important aspect of holistic treatment. Despite guidelines recommending clinical implementation, there are very few established prehabilitation or rehabilitation programmes routinely delivered within transplant centres. This review provides insight into the current landscape within this area.

Prehabilitation and rehabilitation has demonstrated potential to improve clinical outcomes for individuals preparing and living with solid organ transplantation, particularly with regards to aerobic capacity, muscle strength and quality of life. These programmes can address important components of pre/posttransplant clinical outcomes, particularly frailty, length of hospital stay, cardiovascular risk and metabolic health. Research has to date been limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous interventions. Further high-quality research is needed alongside clinical implementation.

Research to date has demonstrated the potential of prehabilitation and rehabilitation across the solid organ transplantation pathway to improve clinical outcomes, as well as to support individuals to live well. Further research with large randomised controlled trials is warranted, with the aim to support the implementation of pre/rehabilitation as part of routine care in multiprofessional clinics.