| Objective: To observe the effect of an exercise program in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Methods: Twenty patients with hepatic cirrhosis were randomly divided into exercise group and control group, n=10 in each group. The control group and exercise group were treated with routine medical management. The exercise group were additionally given the program of moderate exercise for 8 weeks under supervision of a physiotherapist. Before and after the 8 week intervention, we determined exercise capacity (6 minute walk distance, 6MWD), quadriceps muscle thickness (measured by ultrasound), isometric knee extension (isometric dynamometer), and health related quality of life (HRQoL) by answers from Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaires (CLDQ). Results： After intervention, 6MWD, quadriceps muscle thickness, isometric knee extension, and scores of fatigue and activity in CLDQ were significantly increased in exercise group as compared with those before intervention and in control group (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion: Physical exercise could improve exercise capacity, muscle mass, and HRQoL in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. |
