RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07561138

Nutrition and Exercise Prehabilitation in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation

Evaluation of Protein Distribution Optimization With Exercise Regimen on Nutritional Status, Body Composition and Functional Status in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation: The POWER-LT Randomized Clinical Trial

Sponsor

Kalliopi Anna Poulia

Enrollment

90 participants

Start Date

Jan 8, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Sarcopenia Liver Cirrhosis Frailty Malnutrition Liver Transplantation End Stage Liver Disease

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a diet with even protein distribution plus exercise (Group A) versus a diet with skewed protein distribution plus exercise (Group B) versus standard dietary and physical activity advice (Group C) on nutritional status, body composition and functional status in patients awaiting liver transplantation.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

End-stage liver disease, diagnosed by transient elastography (FibroScan) or imaging-based evaluation with compatible clinical picture
Referred for liver transplantation and evaluated to have a high likelihood of being listed, according to primary hepatologist assessment, or already listed for liver transplantation
No prior formal dietary advice

Exclusion Criteria8

Age < 18 years old
Estimated waiting time for liver transplantation < 3 months
Estimated life expectancy < 3 months
Chronic kidney disease requiring protein restriction
Exercise contraindicated (e.g., active or recent variceal bleeding, severe grade of hepatic encephalopathy, refractory ascites, etc.)
Unstable or severe psychiatric disorder
Pregnancy or lactation
Inability to provide written informed consent

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALDiet with even protein distribution plus exercise program

Diet of 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg dry body weight/day, equally divided (33.3% at 3 main meals) \| Exercise program: 3 days/week aerobic and 2 days/week resistance \| Duration: 12 weeks

BEHAVIORALDiet with skewed protein distribution plus exercise program

Diet of 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg dry body weight/day, unequally divided (10.0% at breakfast, 60.0% at lunch, 30.0% at dinner) \| Exercise program: 3 days/week aerobic and 2 days/week resistance \| Duration: 12 weeks

BEHAVIORALStandard dietary and physical activity advice

Standard dietary and physical activity advice \| Duration: 12 weeks