Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of meridian percussion combined with TCM breathing exercise on postoperative phase I rehabilitation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVA). Methods Patients undergoing TAVR in our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were included, and a non-simultaneous control method was used. For control group, conventional post-TAVR nursing was performed. While for observation group, the patients received a combination of conventional rehabilitation nursing, meridian percussion and TCM breathing exercise. ICU duration, early ambulation time, post-operative and total hospitalization duration, the time between postoperative bed rest to complete the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and the walking distance in 6WMT in both groups were observed and compared. Results General information of the two groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05). ICU duration showed no difference between the two groups (P=0.742). Total and post-operative hospitalization duration were significantly shortened in the observation group(P<0.001). For functional exercise capacity, early ambulation time (P<0.001), and the time between postoperative bed rest to complete 6MWT were significantly shortened (P<0.001), and the walking distance in 6WMT significantly was improved (P<0.001) in observation group. Conclusion For post-TAVR phase 1 rehabilitation, compared to conventional nursing, our newly developed method of combined TCM and western medicine (meridian percussion combined with TCM breathing exercise) can shorten hospitalization duration and improve mobility function recovery.

Key words: TAVR, combined TCM and western medicine, meridian percussion, TCM breathing exercise, rehabilitation nursing