Title: Sarcopenia in children post liver transplant: development of a home-based video program to support muscle strength and function – a pre-post controlled pilot study
Source: Clinical Transplantation 2024, 38 (9): e15455
Date of publication: September 2024
Publication type: Pilot study
Abstract: Introduction: Sarcopenia is common in children after liver transplantation (LTx). Resistance training (RT) may be effective in combating sarcopenia.
Objectives: The purpose of the study was to test the feasibility and impact of a 12-week RT program on skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscle strength, physical performance (PP), and child-parent perspectives about RT.
Methods: Children (6-18 years) post-LTx and healthy controls (HC) underwent progressive RT using resistance bands. SMM and adipose tissue (MRI: abdomen and thigh), muscle strength (handgrip, push-ups, sit-to-stand), and PP (6-minute walk test [6MWT], timed-up-and-down-stair test [TUDS]) were measured before and after 12-weeks of RT.
Results: Ten children post-LTx (11.9 ± 3.5 years) and 13 HC (11.7 ± 3.9 years) participated. LTx children significantly increased abdominal SM-index (+4.6% LTx vs. a -2.7% HC; p = 0.01) and decreased visceral adipose tissue-index (-18% LTx vs. -0.8% HC; p = 0.04) compared to HC. No thigh SMI changes were noted. Significant increases in 6MWT distance (LTx; p = 0.04), number of push-ups (p = 0.04), and greater reduction times for TUDS (-10.6% vs. +1.7%; p = 0.05) occurred after 12 weeks. Higher thigh muscle-fat content was associated with worse physical performance. These results were impacted by adherence (≥75% vs. <75%) and family engagement.
Conclusions: RT in children post-LTx is feasible and effective. RT in children post-LTx may alleviate adverse outcomes associated with sarcopenia.
