Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Autonomic and Endothelial Function and Splanchnic Hemodynamics in Compensated Cirrhosis: RCT Study.
Sirinda Kittiprachakul, Sarissa Rangkla, Onanong Kulaputana et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This parallel-group randomised controlled trial assessed 16 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise plus nutritional consultation versus nutritional consultation alone in 50 sedentary patients with compensated cirrhosis. Forty-four participants completed the study. Most outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Exercise improved six-minute walk distance relative to control (mean Δ = 32 m, IQR: 12.00-51.60 m, p < 0.01). Autonomic and portal-flow findings were less conclusive: the authors report that positive signals were not significant between groups. No major adverse events occurred.
Key findings
- Exercise improved six-minute walk distance compared with control (mean Δ = 32 m, IQR: 12.00-51.60 m, p < 0.01).
- In modified intention-to-treat analysis, portal vein volume flow increased within the exercise group (median Δ = 350.66 mL/min, p = 0.003).
- Mixed-model analysis found a significant LF/HF reduction (β = -0.87, p = 0.04); the authors interpreted this as worsening autonomic function while exercise remained stable.
- No major adverse events occurred.
Why it matters
Functional capacity is clinically relevant in compensated cirrhosis, and this trial found better walking-test performance with an exercise programme without major adverse events. The autonomic and portal-flow results may warrant further study, but the lack of significant between-group findings means they do not establish a protective effect on these systems.
What to keep in mind
Six participants did not complete the study. Most outcomes showed no statistically significant between-group differences, and the authors caution that autonomic and hepatic signals were not significant between groups.