Hepatic Cirrhosis and Physical Activity: A Guide for the Clinical Practice

Abstract

Patients with liver cirrhosis have impaired physical fitness involving several multifactorial mechanisms, such as sarcopenia, hyperdynamic circulatory status, and hepatopulmonary syndrome, in addition to sedentary behavior. The reduction in exercise tolerance is related to the degree of impairment of liver function in these patients. Therefore, the assessment of exercise capacity has been shown to be valid as a measure of prognostic value and to predict the clinical risk of decompensation. This review briefly shows the importance of evaluating exercise functional capacity in cirrhotic patients, as well as highlights how exercise and physical activity programs are safe and effective in improving muscle mass, increasing exercise capacity, and reducing the pressure gradient hepatic venous. It is expected that the assessment of the functional physical status of cirrhotic patients and their encouragement to engage in exercise programs and increased physical activity will be encouraged in clinical practice.