Feasibility and Reliability of Functional Muscle Tests in Lung Transplant Recipients. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kienbacher, Thomas; Achim-Gunacker, Grace; Pachner, Melanie; Kerschan-Schindl, Katharina; Gunacker, Patrik; Habenicht, Richard; Klepetko, Walter; Jaksch, Peter; Doblhammer, Stephan; Ebenbichler, Gerold
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. Volume 97:Number 6(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Rehabilitation -- Hand Strength -- Muscle Strength -- Physical Endurance -- Correlation Study -- Lung Transplantation; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Periodicals; 617.062
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9115

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This study investigates the feasibility, reliability, and correlations of recommended functional tests in lung transplant recipients shortly after surgery. Design: This is an observational study. Methods: Fifty patients (28 females) performed well-standardized maximum isometric back extension in a sitting position, handgrip strength, and Biering-Sørensen endurance tests shortly before discharge from the acute hospital, shortly thereafter, and 2 mos later after subacute rehabilitation. Results: Back extension testing was well feasible, but only two thirds of the patients could perform the Biering-Sørensen test at baseline and they experienced a greater number of minor but no major adverse events. Absolute reliability measures and the intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent for the strength (0.97–0.98 [0.95–0.99]) and good for the endurance tests (0.69 [0.26–0.87]). Handgrip revealed high correlation with back strength (≥0.75) but not with Biering-Sørensen scores. Conclusions: Well-controlled maximum back strength testing is feasible and reliable, and the scores are highly correlated with grip strength in lung transplant recipients shortly before hospital discharge. The Biering-Sørensen test should be limited to patients without dominant weakness and/or fear. Future research should investigate whether grip instead of back extension strength can safely be used for proper exercise prescription. Abstract : Supplemental digital content is available in the text.