In-hospital pre-hab program helps heart-transplant candidates regain strength

Facing frequent disqualification of transplant candidates due to declining strength, cardiologist Radha Gopalan launched an inpatient cardiac pre-habilitation program at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix. The protocol employs recumbent and arm-only bicycles to boost cardiopulmonary function while avoiding fall risks. Data collected from 45 patients showed that 56% in the first year and 62% in the second year achieved the required frailty score, and no adverse events occurred.

Results were shared at the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation conference in Toronto. Funding came from the hospital’s foundation and philanthropic sources, with plans to seek NIH support for larger studies. The approach demonstrates safety, effectiveness, and improved metabolic-equivalent scores for a vulnerable patient group.