Exercises for Liver Transplant Recovery Patients

The first successful liver transplant surgery was performed in 1963, but early recipients did not live long. Since then, techniques and survival rates have improved, and today there is a waiting list for the surgeries. Once on the list -- or if you are only thinking about a transplant -- adults should consider some exercises, which are needed before and after surgery to help maintain good health.

Pre-Surgery Exercise Recommended

• Exercise before surgery is important because overall fitness eases recovery after surgery. As with other exercise routines, talk with your doctor before beginning such a program.

  While exercising, it is important to balance activity with adequate rest. Try to stay active by participating in ordinary daily activities and allow for changes in your energy and activity levels throughout the day. Do not be discouraged by day-to-day fluctuations in what you can do.

Specific Exercises

• General mobility exercises, such as arm circles and side bends, are helpful and should be done at least once a day at home. In addition, walk to get in shape and stay fit.

  Try bed exercises, which will also help you after surgery. Those include deep breathing and coughing, and incentive spirometry exercises in which you take long, slow, deep breaths and use a device that provides you with positive feedback. Also, pump your ankles by pointing your toes to ceiling, then flex both feet. Other exercises include hip and knee flexing and static quadriceps exercises, in which, while keeping legs straight, tighten the front thigh muscle of one leg while pressing the back of your knee down into the bed. Hold five seconds, then relax the leg.

After-Surgery Exercise

• After surgery, exercise is critical to mental and physical well-being, but check with your transplant team before starting. The team will advise on what will best meet your needs.
  In general, continue bed exercises and a few days after surgery, begin to sit at the side of the bed and get up into a chair with assistance. As endurance and balance improve, you should begin walking to speed recovery. At first, you will require some support or assistance. Gradually increase the distance you walk, and before going home, you should be walking independently.

  Initially, walk slowly on a level surface in short five- to 10-minute walks four to six times daily. Gradually increase your time and decrease the number of walks per day. When you can walk continuously for 20 or 30 minutes once per day, you can begin to increase your walking speed. Remember to balance rest and exercise. Consult your doctor if you have questions or symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness while doing exercises.
  For the first several weeks after surgery, avoid straining the incision and healing muscles. Do not lift more than 10 pounds nor do abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups. Take precaution against infection; always wash your hands and keep them away from the face and mouth.