The effect of successive physical therapy on the change in physical function after living-donor lobor lung transplantation

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the postoperative change in muscle strength and the exercise capacity of a patient who received a living-donor lobor lung transplant. We have treated the patient with successive physical therapy for about 8 months. [Subjects] The subject was a female with pulmonary emphysema of unknown origin. [Methods] We measured muscle strength in straight leg raising (SLR), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and pulmonary function. [Results] Muscle strength in SLR reached the maximum value at 6-7 months after the lung transplantation, and 6MWD also reached the maximum at 6 months post-op. The postoperative change (12 months after surgery) in SLR strength, and 6MWD were correlated with pulmonary function. However, the value of SLR strength and 6MWD were decreased at 12 months after surgery. [Conclusion] These results suggest that successive physical therapy after lung transplantation facilitates the improvement of physical function and maintains it.