Introduction and background: Despite maximal oxygen consumption and lung functions significantly improve, exercise capacity does not reach the expected normal values after lung transplantation. The effects on the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscles along with respiratory and cardiac factors are among the reasons for this limitation.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the upper extremity exercise capacity of lung transplant recipients and healthy controls.

Methods: Twenty-six patients with lung transplant recipients (mean age: 49.9±13.1 years, 22 men/ 4 women, mean time after transplantation: 43,3±26.2 months) and twenty-six age and gender matched healthy controls (mean age: 44±9.3 years) were included in this study. Upper extremity functional capacity was evaluated with the 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT). heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), dyspnea, arm fatigue and general fatigue were recorded before and after the test.

Results: The 6PBRT score was significantly lower in lung transplant recipients compared to healthy controls (p<0.01). The increase in dyspnea was significantly higher in lung transplant recipients after 6PBRT (p<0.01). The changes in vital signs and arm/general fatigue after the 6PBRT were similar between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Arm exercise capacity is adversely affected in lung transplant recipients. Upper extremity performance that is closely related with activities in daily life should be considered and arm exercise training should be included in rehabilitation programs of lung transplant patients.

Keywords: Lung Transplant, exercise capacity, rehabilitation, upper extremity