Physical and Cognitive Outcomes After Post-Transplant Physiotherapy in Liver Transplant Recipients

Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, many recipients continue to experience problems such as reduced physical function, impaired balance, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties even after successful transplantation. Although physiotherapy is commonly provided during the early postoperative period, its long-term benefits are not well understood. This observational cross-sectional study evaluated the long-term physical and cognitive outcomes of adult liver transplant recipients approximately one year after transplantation. A total of 106 participants were included and divided into two groups according to whether they had participated in a routine post-transplant physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. Physical performance, balance, functional exercise capacity, cognitive function, and fatigue were assessed using standardized clinical outcome measures. The study aimed to determine whether participation in a routine physiotherapy program was associated with better long-term functional outcomes after liver transplantation. The findings may help improve long-term rehabilitation strategies and support the integration of physiotherapy into routine multidisciplinary follow-up care for liver transplant recipients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years or older. * At least 1 year since liver transplantation. * Spontaneous breathing. * Hemodynamically stable. * Able to read and write. * Willing and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of a neurological disorder. * Presence of a neuropsychiatric disorder. * Orthopedic or rheumatologic conditions that could interfere with the assessments. * Advanced cardiopulmonary disease. * Visual or hearing impairment that prevented completion of the assessments. Refusal to participate in the study.