Effects of a Whole Body Vibration Training in Patients After Lung Transplantation

Effects of a Whole Body Vibration Training on the Exercise Performance in Patients After Lung Transplantation

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been established as an evidence-based and recommended therapy in patients following lung transplantation. Exercise training has been shown to be a cornerstone of an inpatient rehabilitation program to reduce muscle dysfunction and improve exercise performance. In our study we will investigate the benefit of a whole body vibration training in addition to a standard pulmonary rehabilitation program that includes endurance and strength training. We will include a total of 140 patients (70 patients < 1 year after lung Transplantation and 70 patients > 1 year after lung Transplantation). Our hypothesis is that an addtitional whole body vibration training produces a greater benefit to exercise capacity in lung transplantat patients (LTx).

Inclusion Criteria:

• participation in an inpatient rehabilitation program
• double or single lung transplantation due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alpha-1-antitrypsine deficiency, interstitial lung disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe exacerbation in the last 4 weeks with the necessity of delivering antibiotics/ corticosteroids
• non-compliance