Respiratory, Limb Muscle Properties, and Physical Performance in Adult Lung Transplant Recipients
University of Florida
Summary
The goal of this observational study is to evaluate respiratory and limb muscle properties in adults awaiting lung transplantation and determine how these measures relate to physical performance, symptoms, and recovery after transplantation. Respiratory and limb muscle weakness may contribute to impaired mobility, frailty, and delayed postoperative recovery, but their specific role in lung transplant candidates is not well understood. Participants will undergo muscle ultrasound imaging at weekly basis, respiratory and limb strength testing, physical performance assessments, and symptom questionnaires once before and after transplantation. Researchers will also collect information from medical records regarding intensive care unit stay, hospital length of stay, rehabilitation participation, and postoperative recovery outcomes.
Description
Respiratory and peripheral muscle dysfunction are common in individuals with advanced lung disease awaiting lung transplantation. Muscle weakness, atrophy, and impaired contractile function may contribute to reduced physical performance, frailty, symptom burden, and delayed recovery after transplantation. Although physical function tests provide an overall assessment of performance, they provide limited information regarding specifics of respiratory and limb muscle impairments. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive and reliable method to evaluate muscle structure, quality, and contractile functi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older. * Hospitalized as potential candidates for single- or bilateral-lung transplant surgery. * Hemodynamically stable for out-of-bed mobilization Exclusion Criteria: * Baseline cognitive impairment * History of previous solid organ transplantation or thoracic surgery * Existing phrenic nerve lesion * Lower limb amputation or fracture * External fixators or open wounds of the lower extremities * Diagnosed neuromuscular disorder. * Morbid obesity (body mass index \>45 kg/m²). * Any other medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would ma…
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestRespiratory and Limb Muscle Assessment
Participants undergo serial assessments of respiratory and limb muscle structure and function before and after lung transplantation. Assessments include ultrasound imaging of the diaphragm, rectus abdominis, and quadriceps muscles; respiratory muscle strength testing; handgrip strength testing; knee extension strength testing; physical performance measures; and patient-reported outcome questionnaires.
Location
- UF Health Shands Medical CenterGainesville, Florida