Functional Recovery After Lung Transplantation Using a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Model

Purpose: Functional recovery after lung transplant is crucial to long-term outcomes. Despite rehabilitation, few reach the threshold of healthy function. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefit of rehabilitation in the Center of Life for Thoracic Transplant (COLTT) program by (1) measuring time to functional recovery, (2) identifying factors associated with functional recovery, (3) examining program outcomes, and (4) examining COLTT impact on unplanned hospital readmission. Methods: The study retrospectively examined 105 patients in COLTT after hospital discharge. Functional measures collected at enrollment and completion included 6-minute walk distance, walking speed, 1-minute sit-to-stand test, and single-leg stance. Demographic and hospital stay data were examined for associations between time to achieve COLTT goals and readmissions. Results: The median number of visits in COLTT was 18 (9–53). Significant functional gains were made across all outcome measures and near thresholds for healthy individuals. Age, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), lung disease type, and ventilation time were significantly associated with COLTT visits. The 30-day hospital readmission free rate after hospital discharge was 71.4%. Conclusions: Healthy adult functional outcomes were achieved in 18 visits. Age, hospital and ICU LOS, lung disease type, and prolonged ventilation are associated with functional recovery.