Effects of a Novel Physical Exercise Program in Patients With Cirrhosis (the LFN-exercise Protocol)

Effects of a Physical Exercise Program on Cerebral and Hepatic Hemodynamics in Patients With Cirrhosis. (Pilot Study)

This study evaluates the effects of a structured exercise (The LFN-exercise protocol) program plus diet, on cerebral hemodynamics (cerebral blood flow) and hepatic hemodynamics (portal pressure), as well as on nutritional status (body composition and nutritional markers) in order to facilitate the prescription of exercise in patients with cirrhosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Liver cirrhosis of any aetiology (liver biopsy or a combination of clinical and biochemical variables plus evidence of portal hypertension); without decompensation during the past month; serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL; able to attend the appointed visits and willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of high-risk varices in upper endoscopy (red marks, large varices or gastric varices); concomitant cardiopulmonary diseases; decompensated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, insulin use or proliferative diabetic retinopathy; orthopaedic or osteomuscular limitations; any type of cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis and Inflammatory bowel disease.