The effect of early tracheal extubation combined with physical training on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients after lung transplantation: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the effect of early extubation combined with physical training on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients after lung transplantation. METHODS: This is an open parallel randomized controlled trial. A total of 96 lung transplant patients admitted to Wuxi People’s Hospital (July 2018 to June 2019) were included. Inclusion criteria: (I) aged 18–75; (II) lung transplantation; (III) communicate normally; (IV) voluntary participation. According to the random number method, they were divided into the control group (routine nursing intervention) and the observation group (early extubation combined with a physical training program). The indwelling tracheal intubation time, discharge time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, lung function, 6 Minutes Walk Distance (6MWD), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and satisfaction rate were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The observation group’s first-time postoperative ambulation (t=2.10, P=0.039), indwelling tracheal intubation time (Z=2.864, P=0.004), and discharge time (t=3.111, P<0.001) were shorter than the control group, while the difference of ICU stay time was not statistically significant (Z=−1.658, P=0.097). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the lung function, 6MWD, and MBI of the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the Forced Expiratory Volume In 1 s (FEV1)% (t=−2.707, P<0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC)% (t=−3.716, P<0.001), FEV1/FVC (t=−3.539, P<0.001), 6MWD (t=−5.567, P<0.001), and MBI indexes (t=−4.073, P<0.001) were better than in observation group. The satisfaction rate of the observation group was better than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For lung transplant recipients, early extubation combined with a physical training program is scientific, safe, and feasible. This approach is helpful to promote the postoperative recovery of lung transplant patients, reduce the length of hospitalization, help patients improve their lung function and ability to engage in activities of daily living, and increase the satisfaction rate of postoperative recovery. Results show that the combination of early extubation and a physical training program is worthy of clinical promotion for lung transplant recipients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100051954.