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EXERCISE AFTER TRANSPLANT - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW? Presented by: Rose Cox BSN,RN,CCRN C8A- Heart and Lung Transplant Unit

What is Exercise?

• Physical activity
• Any movement of our bodies that uses energy
• Can be vigorous- jogging/running, swimming freestyle laps, biking (>10 miles/hr), aerobics, competitive basketball, or heavy yard work like chopping wood
• Vigorous activities are considered aerobic exercises- increase HR and breathing rates enough to make you sweat. Helps reduce heart disease, diabetes and cancer

Types of exercises

• Strength training- done twice/week, weight lifting 8 to 15 times “reps” stopped when muscles get tired, start slowly and gradual increase of reps and weight you lift
• Resistance training- use muscles in repetitive motions against resistance i.e.: riding stationary bike or exercising on rowing machines
• Talk to your doctor and transplant team before starting training exercises
• Other helpful exercises include stretching, yoga and Pilates. Stay flexible as you get older to decrease risk of pulling muscles and breaking bones

When to start exercising?

• Talk to your transplant team- best time to begin increasing activity level and begin exercise routine
• Depends on recovery period and type of complications
• Begins at hospital with PT/OT
• Discuss a plan that is right for you in an outpatient basis
• Every transplant pt. should leave the hospital with an exercise program

How to increase your activity level?

• MD’s approval first
• Stretch arms/legs before getting up
• Hold onto sink with both hands after brushing and do leg squats
• Climb 1 or 2 flights of stairs
• Lift small weights or do stretches
• Weather problem- walk at the mall
• Walk during lunch break with co-workers
• Try parking farther away from office or other destinations to increase walking distance

 What kind of exercise is best for me?

• Best exercise is one that you will really do!
• Any physical activity that uses energy counts as exercises
• Walk, swim, ride a bicycle, lift weights, play golf or tennis, yoga classes or even do housework as exercises
• Do it anytime, any activity you can do is beneficial, improves overall health, makes you feel better and can help control stress

Any concerned while you exercise?

• Follow exercise guidelines
• Rule of thumb: do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk in the first month post transplant
• Lifting, pushing or pulling too much within 4 to 6 wks post surgery can cause hernias to develop on weaker sections of any abdominal incisions
• Transplant meds can cause poor or delay wound healing
• Avoid activities that risk direct hits to your body i.e.: boxing, football, ice hockey
• CP, SOB, intense pain, joint pain that worsen with activities- stop exercising, seek help
• Listen to your body, use common sense to reach this goal. Do it slowly

How to plan your daily exercise?

• Planning is a key word
• Start with what you can manage and is approved by your doctor
• Gradual increase, add 2-3 minutes to your routine, build up activity
• Aim 20-30 minutes of physical activity or exercises daily
• Strength training are shorter and aerobic exercises i.e. walking are longer
• Start with a 2-5 min warm up, breath should increase but should be able to talk while exercising and gradual increase up to 30 minutes
• End session with a brief cooling down effort

Getting bored with exercise routine?

• VARIETY- key to successful program
• Change exercise routine, add some different physical activities
• Remember: ALL activities counts
• Fill fit and enjoy life
• Transplantation has given you a second chance for life
• Enjoy feeling better and increasing your activity
• Regular exercises is important for your general good health and well-being