Prehab before liver transplant: a new hope for frail patients?
NCT ID NCT05237583
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a structured program combining exercise, nutritional advice, and psychological support is safe and doable for frail adults with cirrhosis waiting for a liver transplant. Twenty-five participants were enrolled to see if they could stick with the program and if it improved their frailty and nutrition. The goal was to help patients be stronger going into surgery, but the study was small and focused on feasibility, not long-term outcomes.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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25 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2022
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age above 18 years * Diagnosis of cirrhosis, based on a combination of clinical, laboratory, imaging, or histology * Active on the liver transplant waiting list of the MUHC Exclusion Criteria: * Biological Model for End Stage Liver Disease \>20 * Hepatic decompensation within the last month * High risk varices not on primary or secondary prevention * Recurrent large volume paracentesis * Persistent hepatic encephalopathy * Platelets \<20,000/µL, or hemoglobin \<80g/L * Altered hemodynamics * Significant heart disease * Awaiting combined organ transplantation * Awaiting repeat liver transplantation * Condition limiting mobilization and/or exercise, or recurrent falls
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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McGill University Health Centre
Montreal, Quebec, H3G1A4, Canada
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