OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supervised longer (14 week) versus shorter duration (7 week) rehabilitation program after lung transplantation (LTX). DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Post lung transplantation patients were randomised to either a shorter rehabilitation program (7 weeks) or a longer program (14 weeks) in an outpatient rehabilitation gym setting. PARTICIPANTS: Post lung transplantation patients aged 18 years or older who had undergone either single (SLTX) or bilateral lung (BSLTX) transplantation. INTERVENTION: Outpatient rehabilitation program consisting of thrice weekly sessions with cardiovascular training on bike ergometer and treadmill plus upper and lower limb strength training. OUTCOME MEASURES: Were taken at baseline, 7 weeks, 14 weeks and 6 months by assessors who were blinded to group allocation. Functional exercise capacity was measured by 6 minute walk test (6MWT). Strength of quadriceps and hamstrings was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer and recorded as average peak torque (APT) of six repetitions for both muscles. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed with SF36. RESULTS: 66 participants (33 females) with a mean age of 51 (SD 13), had BSLTX (86%) and primary diagnosis of COPD in 41%. 6MWD increased in both groups with no significant difference between groups at any time point (mean 6 month 6MWD short 590 (SD 85) m versus long 568 (SD 127) m, p = 0.50). Similarly, at six months there was no difference between groups in quadriceps APT (115 (38) Nm versus mean 114 (40) Nm p = 0.59), hamstring APT (57 (18) Nm versus 52 (19) Nm, p = 0.36) or mental or physical health domains of QOL. CONCLUSION: Shorter duration (7 weeks) of rehabilitation achieves comparable outcomes to 14 weeks of supervised rehabilitation for functional exercise capacity, LL limb strength and QOL at six months after LTX.

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