Home-Based Exercise Program For Recovery After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Home-Based Exercise Program For Recovery After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Pilot Study

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure for older adults with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are considered high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Despite symptomatic and survival benefits, many patients experience functional decline after TAVR. This pilot study aims to test the feasibility of a home-based exercise intervention targeting endurance, strength, and balance as well as cognitive behavioral intervention to improve physical functioning and disability after TAVR.

We hypothesize that a home-based exercise program with cognitive behavioral intervention is more effective than home-based exercise alone; home-based exercise program with and without cognitive behavioral intervention is more effective than attention control educational intervention in preventing decline in physical function and disability after TAVR.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 65 years
• Underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Lives within 20-mile radius of the recruiting site
• Plan to be discharged home
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Stroke or any other medical disease that precludes participation in the exercise program
• Severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination < 15)
• Current enrollment in another clinical trial