Exercise and organ transplantation

Abstract

The advent of better surgical techniques and medications to prevent rejection have increased the number of organ transplantations being performed each year. As these patients are surviving longer, non-transplant physicians assume an increasingly large role in the care of these patients. After the trauma of the transplantation has receded, quality of life issues become important and exercise is a potentially important component of their care. This article will attempt to define the risks and benefits of exercise with respect to various types of organ transplantation. Finally, the injury surveillance results of the National Transplant Olympics will be reviewed as an example of what can be accomplished safely by patients who have received organ transplantation.