Strenght Training with Liver Disease

[adrianiriarte]

Hello, my question is about strength training with liver disease. My father is 71 years old and diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. I want to help my father, and get him stronger. I am concerned about him starting barbell training with his disease. I don't know if it is a good or bad idea.

Does anyone have experience training someone with this condition? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[Hayden-William Courtland]

I don't know of any reason why it would prevent him. The key will be to, as with anyone his age, have a program that progresses appropriately and does not load him with too much weight too quickly. Have him dial in form first and then gradually add weight.

[Elle]

This is a great article on exercise with liver chirrhosis.
Nutrition and exercise in the management of liver cirrhosis

There's a flowchart at the end that's a good summary, but basically
-supplements BCAAs
-eat enough calories
-definitely exercise

My additions:
-consider intra-workout carbs (because the liver has a harder time keeping glucose levels up, there's a section on it in this article)
-work with a dietician to figure out the right amount of protein, verifying by trial and error with labwork. Too much and too little are both problematic.

[adrianiriarte]

This is a great article on exercise with liver chirrhosis.
Nutrition and exercise in the management of liver cirrhosis

There's a flowchart at the end that's a good summary, but basically
-supplements BCAAs
-eat enough calories
-definitely exercise

My additions:
-consider intra-workout carbs (because the liver has a harder time keeping glucose levels up, there's a section on it in this article)
-work with a dietician to figure out the right amount of protein, verifying by trial and error with labwork. Too much and too little are both problematic.

Thank you for the link to the article. I greatly appreciate it.