Improving frailty in liver transplant candidates
Home-based Physical Therapy Intervention to Decrease Frailty in Liver Transplant Candidates
This study is testing a new program to help people waiting for a liver transplant get stronger and healthier through exercise plans and support.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT04836923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the LIver FrailTy (LIFT) intervention designed to enhance physical fitness and reduce frailty in patients awaiting liver transplantation. The intervention includes an assessment by a physical therapist, personalized home exercise plans, exercise tracking via a smartphone app, daily text reminders, and regular telephone check-ins. Additionally, a subset of participants will undergo Realistic Effort Action Planning (REAP) to assess if motivational interviewing can further improve outcomes. The goal is to create a practical and effective method to engage patients in physical activity and ultimately improve their clinical outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include English-speaking adults diagnosed with liver cirrhosis who are being evaluated for liver transplantation and have access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age or those requiring outpatient physical therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical fitness and overall health outcomes of patients awaiting liver transplantation.
How similar studies have performed: While the impact of frailty in liver transplantation is well-documented, this specific intervention approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis being evaluated for liver transplantation in hepatology/transplant evaluation clinic * English-speaking * Patients with access to a smart phone (with videoconference capabilities) * Vulnerable populations: We will include patients who are cognitively impaired due to hepatic encephalopathy and unable to consent for themselves. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \< 18 years of age * Patients who require outpatient physical therapy. * Patients without the ability to consent for themselves or through a medical power of attorney.
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern Medicine — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniela Ladner, MD — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Avesh Thuluvath, MD
- Email: avesh.thuluvath@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 3126940260
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.