OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of a supervised UL exercise program (SULP) versus no supervised UL exercise program (NULP) after lung transplantation (LTX). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Physiotherapy gym. PARTICIPANTS: Post LTX > 18 years, n = 80. INTERVENTION: All participants underwent lower limb strength thrice weekly and endurance training. Participants randomised to supervised upper limb program (SULP) completed progressive UL strength training program using hand weights and adjustable pulley equipment. OUTCOMES: Overall bodily pain rated on visual analogue scale (VAS). Shoulder flexion, abduction strength and HRQOL (SF36) were measured. MEASUREMENTS: At baseline, 6 and 12 weeks and 6 months by blinded assessors. RESULTS: 80 participants recruited, 43 randomized to SULP and 37 to NULP. After 6 weeks of training, SULP (41) participants had less overall bodily pain on VAS than those NULP (36) (mean 2.1 cm (SD 1.3) versus 3.8 cm (SD 1.7), p < 0.001) and greater UL strength than NULP participants (peak force 8.4 Nm (4.0) versus 6.7 Nm (2.8) p = 0.037). At 12 weeks SULP participants had better HRQOL -- bodily pain domain (76 (17) versus 66 (26), p = 0.05) but at 6 months there was no difference between groups for any outcome. No serious adverse events reported. CONCLUSION: UL rehabilitation results in short term improvements in pain and muscle strength following LTX, but no longer-term impacts were evident.

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