objective: to evaluate the effect of preoperative exercise programme in mitral valve replacement surgery in decreasing the incidence of ppcs, increasing the pulmonary function and decreasing the hospital stay. Methods: 30 subjects participated in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups: pre-operative exercise program and usual care (n=15in each group). 3 days pre-operative exercise program was given to the group 1. Outcome measures were ppc, hospital stay and pulmonary function test and 6 minute walk test. Results: paired t-test was used for within group comparison of pretest and post test measurement and again t-test was used for between group comparisons of the 2 groups. The result of the study showed that the group receiving preoperative physical therapy had shown significant reduction in hospital stay and ppc although there is no significant change in terms of pft.,Conclusion: it is recommended that preoperative exercise program should be included as a part of the treatment protocol in the rehabilitation of mitral valve surgery patients.

Key words: preoperative exercise program, preoperative patient education, ppc, hospital stay, mitral valve replacement surgery.