Post-operative, inpatient rehabilitation after lung transplant evaluation (PIRATE): A feasibility randomized controlled trial

Postoperative rehabilitation is crucial following lung transplantation (LTx); however, it is unclear whether intensive rehabilitation is feasible to deliver in the acute setting. We aimed to establish the feasibility and safety of intensive acute physiotherapy post-LTx.

This feasibility trial randomized 40 adults following bilateral sequential LTx to either standard (once-daily) or intensive (twice-daily) physiotherapy. Primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment and delivery of intensive intervention) and safety. Secondary outcomes included six-minute walk test; 60-second sit-to-stand; grip strength; physical activity; pain; EQ-5D-5L; length of stay; and readmissions. Data were collected at baseline, week 3, and week 10 post-LTx. ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03095859.

Of 83 LTx completed during the trial, 49% were eligible and 48% provided consent. Median age was 61 years {range 18–70}; waitlist time 85 days [IQR 35–187]. Median time to first mobilization was 2 days [2–3]. Both groups received a median of 10 [7–14] standard interventions post-randomization. A median of 9 [6–18] individual intensive interventions were attempted (86% successful), the most common barrier being medical procedures/investigations (67%). No intervention-related adverse events or between-group differences in secondary outcomes were observed.

Acute, intensive physiotherapy was feasible and safe post-LTx. This trial provides data to underpin definitive trials to establish efficacy.