Clinical Response to Aerobic Exercise After Mitral Valve Replacement: A Case Report

Najwa Fadila Bagenda; Salki Sadmita; Muhammad Ismail

doi:10.24843/

Authors

Najwa Fadila Bagenda Physiotherapy Professional Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia Author
Salki Sadmita Physiotherapy Professional Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia Author
Muhammad Ismail Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Unit, Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/

Keywords:

Cardiac Rehabilitation, Exercise, Heart Valve Diseases, Case Reports, Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation

Abstract

Background: Patients recovering after Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) may continue to experience dyspnea, fatigue, and activity limitation. Case reporting may describe individual responses during phase II cardiac rehabilitation.
Objective: To describe the clinical response of one patient after MVR during a rehabilitation program that included aerobic exercise.
Methods: This single case report involved a 55-year-old woman approximately two weeks after MVR. Four rehabilitation sessions were conducted on 13, 16, 20, and 23 October 2025. Aerobic exercise lasted 30 minutes and was accompanied by breathing exercise and therapeutic communication. Outcomes included physiological variables, Borg score, HRS A, MMT, and functional observations.
Results: Blood pressure changed from 141/74 to 117/64 mmHg, heart rate from 83 to 95 beats/minute, respiratory rate from 18 to 20 breaths/minute, and SpO₂ from 96% to 99%. Borg score decreased from 2 to 1 and HRS A from 14 to 10, whereas MMT remained 4/5. The patient remained independently ambulatory but reported fatigue during activity lasting more than 15 minutes. No adverse events were reported during the four sessions.
Conclusion: This case describes individual changes during phase II cardiac rehabilitation that included aerobic exercise. The findings do not establish treatment efficacy, an isolated effect of aerobic exercise, or improvement in cardiovascular endurance.