BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) has been associated with improved recovery time after transplantation. Handgrip strength has been related to post-transplant outcomes.

AIM: To evaluate predictors of PA and grip strength in patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplant evaluation.

METHODS: Single-center, prospective analysis.

RESULTS: One hundred patients were evaluated (54% male, mean age 53 ± 9). Common etiologies of liver disease were non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (27%), hepatitis C (22%) and alcoholic liver disease (21%). Mean model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 13.5. Forty-one percent had a history of smoking. Ninety-three patients completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The median total PA score was 33 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/wk. The mean total grip strength was 62.1 ± 22 lb. Total grip strength was found to be an independent predictor of low-moderate PA (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.4-16.2, p = 0.038), and smoking was the only significant factor associated with reduced grip strength (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing liver transplant evaluation have reduced total PA by IPAQ. Total grip strength was found to be a significant predictor of low-moderate PA in patients with cirrhosis. Smoking is a risk factor for reduced grip strength, an important indicator of muscle wasting in cirrhotics.