Journal of Translational Medical Research

Background and Aims: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a leading cause of primary mitral regurgitation and is associated with hemodynamic changes, reduced exercise capacity, increased fatigue, and lower quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of combined aerobic and breathing training on rate-pressure product (RPP), exercise capacity (VO2peak), quality of life, and multidimensional fatigue (MF) in women with MVP.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 30 young women with mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation were randomly assigned, using a web-based random sequence generator, to two groups: exercise (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The exercise group completed a 12-week aerobic and breathing exercise program, three sessions per week, with each session lasting 45–70 minutes at an intensity of RPE of 11–14 and 20–30 beats per minute above resting heart rate, monitored using a wrist-worn heart rate monitor. The control group continued their usual activities. The variables were assessed at two time points: pre-intervention and post-intervention.
Results: The exercise group showed an increase in VO2peak (P = 0.008) and quality of life (P = 0.001) compared to the control group, as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.009), resting heart rate (P = 0.043), and MF (P = 0.004). RPP and systolic blood pressure did not show significant changes
Conclusion: Combining aerobic and breathing exercises as a healthy lifestyle intervention can improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and enhance aerobic capacity in patients with MVP. However, further studies are needed to examine the RPP and changes in systolic blood pressure both at rest and during exercise tests.