Early Mobilization and Breathing Exercise After Tricuspid Valve Repair: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Tricuspid valve repair may be followed by respiratory impairment, reduced activity tolerance, and functional dependence. Case based descriptions of progressive physiotherapy after tricuspid valve repair remain limited. 
Objective: To describe the clinical course of one patient receiving progressive early mobilization and breathing exercise after tricuspid valve repair, with serial observations across intensive care, high care, and ward settings. 
Methods: This descriptive case report involved a 41-year-old man who underwent tricuspid valve repair on 16 September 2025. Physiotherapy progressed from positioning, deep breathing exercise, and ankle pumping to active range of motion, sitting, effective coughing, sit to stand training, and walking. Outcomes were recorded on postoperative days 1, 2, and 7. 
Results: Respiratory rate decreased from 28 to 22 breaths/min, estimated activity capacity increased from 1 to 5 metabolic equivalents, Modified Borg Dyspnoea Scale scores decreased from 3 to 1, and Barthel Index scores increased from 3 to 12. Oxygen saturation remained 98% to 100%, while New York Heart Association class remained II. No adverse events or unexpected responses were reported during physiotherapy. 
Conclusion: The case describes concurrent respiratory and functional progression during inpatient rehabilitation. Because this was a single uncontrolled case, the observed changes cannot establish treatment effectiveness or causality.