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Leddington Wright S1, Bloxham A2, Hames T1, Price M1
1Coventry University, Health & Life Sciences, Coventry, United Kingdom, 2Transplant Sport UK, Oldbury, United Kingdom
Background: Recipients of life-saving transplant surgery are increasing with exercise forming a crucial part of recovery. The World Transplant Games Federation aims to promote the physical success of transplant surgery whilst raising public awareness to increase organ donation. In 2019 the World Transplant Games will be held in Newcastle Gateshead, UK with expected participation of 1500 athletes from 60 countries, aged from 4-80 years in 14 different sports. Physio/sports therapy support is provided by the host country however, there is currently no guidance available regarding the physio/sports therapy management of transplantee athletes (TA).
Purpose: To compile what is currently known regarding therapy management of TAs
Methods: Following consultation with the lead physiotherapist for Transplant Sport UK (TSUK) a questionnaire was administered through the Bristol-on-line survey and emailed to previous volunteers of the TSUK physio team. Following institutional ethics approval and informed consent 30 participants (35 ±14 years, 24 female) participated in this study. Results were analysed through descriptive and frequency analysis.
Results: Participants (n) consisted of predominantly physiotherapists (17) and sports therapists (11) who were 12 ±15 years post qualification, with 10 ± 12 years working in sport and 4 ± 4 years specifically working with TA. Participants (n [%]) considered the TA population as vulnerable (27, [90%]), requiring special consideration (29, [97%]) and precautions when treating TA (30[100%]). When asked what precautions should be taken (64 statements), participants reported both general medical (33 [52%]) and specific therapy (18 [28%]) aspects with 13 (20%) considering infection issues. Considerations suggested by practitioners (58 statements) related to physiological considerations (25, [43%]), medications (15 [26%]) and specific therapy interventions (10, [(17%]). Information relating to treatment of TA (49 statements) were obtained from medical professionals (24 [50%]), the internet/journals (16, [33%]) and athletes themselves (5 [10%]) with 4 non-responders. Transplantation information that would be useful in aiding treatment (45 statements) were: physiological effects of TA (15 [33%]), medication (11 [24%]), treatment considerations for transplantees (9 [20%]) and with 3 non-responders. The advice participants would share to colleagues working with TA (36 statements) were: special considerations (9 [25%]), general advice (6 [17%]), gaining information from TA (8 [22%]) and ask for advice if unsure (5 [14%]). The final question on information they would feel would be useful for novice practitioners (39 statements) were: physical and psychological aspects of transplantation (10 [26%]), precautions and cautions (11 [28%]), specific management for therapists working with TA (5 [13%]), rules of transplant competitions (5 [13%]) and case scenarios (3 [8%]).
Conclusion(s): Information for therapists working with TA should include: general medical knowledge on transplantees and specific therapy advice. There appears to be a paucity of research-based evidence to guide therapists in their management of TA. Although generic, good advice is available from experienced practitioners, as with many specific populations, there could be a danger of being overcautious and potentially detrimental to TA performance.
Implications: Future research should be undertaken regarding the physiological responses of TA to enable practitioners to be knowledgeable and appropriately cautious in their approach.
Keywords: Transplantee, Athletes, Physio/sports therapy
Funding acknowledgements: The present work received no funding
Purpose: To compile what is currently known regarding therapy management of TAs
Methods: Following consultation with the lead physiotherapist for Transplant Sport UK (TSUK) a questionnaire was administered through the Bristol-on-line survey and emailed to previous volunteers of the TSUK physio team. Following institutional ethics approval and informed consent 30 participants (35 ±14 years, 24 female) participated in this study. Results were analysed through descriptive and frequency analysis.
Results: Participants (n) consisted of predominantly physiotherapists (17) and sports therapists (11) who were 12 ±15 years post qualification, with 10 ± 12 years working in sport and 4 ± 4 years specifically working with TA. Participants (n [%]) considered the TA population as vulnerable (27, [90%]), requiring special consideration (29, [97%]) and precautions when treating TA (30[100%]). When asked what precautions should be taken (64 statements), participants reported both general medical (33 [52%]) and specific therapy (18 [28%]) aspects with 13 (20%) considering infection issues. Considerations suggested by practitioners (58 statements) related to physiological considerations (25, [43%]), medications (15 [26%]) and specific therapy interventions (10, [(17%]). Information relating to treatment of TA (49 statements) were obtained from medical professionals (24 [50%]), the internet/journals (16, [33%]) and athletes themselves (5 [10%]) with 4 non-responders. Transplantation information that would be useful in aiding treatment (45 statements) were: physiological effects of TA (15 [33%]), medication (11 [24%]), treatment considerations for transplantees (9 [20%]) and with 3 non-responders. The advice participants would share to colleagues working with TA (36 statements) were: special considerations (9 [25%]), general advice (6 [17%]), gaining information from TA (8 [22%]) and ask for advice if unsure (5 [14%]). The final question on information they would feel would be useful for novice practitioners (39 statements) were: physical and psychological aspects of transplantation (10 [26%]), precautions and cautions (11 [28%]), specific management for therapists working with TA (5 [13%]), rules of transplant competitions (5 [13%]) and case scenarios (3 [8%]).
Conclusion(s): Information for therapists working with TA should include: general medical knowledge on transplantees and specific therapy advice. There appears to be a paucity of research-based evidence to guide therapists in their management of TA. Although generic, good advice is available from experienced practitioners, as with many specific populations, there could be a danger of being overcautious and potentially detrimental to TA performance.
Implications: Future research should be undertaken regarding the physiological responses of TA to enable practitioners to be knowledgeable and appropriately cautious in their approach.
Keywords: Transplantee, Athletes, Physio/sports therapy
Funding acknowledgements: The present work received no funding
Topic: Sport & sports injuries; Education: clinical; Disability & rehabilitation
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Coventry University
Ethics committee: The Research Ethics Committee of Coventry University, UK
Ethics number: P73007
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
